More Train Service Could Be On Track For the 2028 Olympics
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Planning is underway to add more train service on the Central Coast and beyond for the upcoming 2028 Olympics.
The work is underway now through several agencies including the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG). It has sent support to decision makers and the staff says it stands ready to help with community awareness as the games get closer.
"Either a train provider in the bay area heading south as far as San Luis Obispo to meet the trains the comes from L.A. or a train from Los Angeles, the Pacific Surfliner run all the way to San Jose to pick people up from the bay area and bring them back," said Aaron Bonfilio the SBCAG Director of Multimodal programs.
A test came during the World Cup recently. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner added special late-night northbound services to Santa Barbara and reports good success from riders using the train to get to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
There has also been an increase in the daily trips serving Santa Barbara and Goleta.
The 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games, will likely mean more train service from Los Angeles to the San Francisco Bay Area through Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Work is also underway for a new train station stop in King City.
SBCAG plans to work with regional partners to prepare for 15 to 20-million visitors during the Olympics and address coastal rail corridor demands, reservations and reliability.
L.A. hosts the Olympic Games from July 14 to July 30, 2028, and then the Paralympic Games from Aug. 15 to Aug. 27.
The increase in traffic is also a big worry for Los Angeles area residents who already have a tough drive every day.
One train passenger coming up from the south, Denis Jackson said, "have you seen the freeway out there in L.A.? It is a madhouse! "
She was ready to support the plan now. "Don't wait until the last minute. Work on the system now."
The train service will also be a key component for those visiting the Central Coast and is expected to be part of the economic boost for the area.
Christian Gutierrez was a train passenger from Burbank who got off in Santa Barbara saying, "we had an awesome train ride and we would definitely use it if there was more available yes."
A Camarillo resident Nicole Perdon said, she was more interested in going north than to L.A. "I think it would be really helpful. It was a beautiful view driving on the coast so I think it would be enjoyable."
Many train riders enjoy the freedom of not having to drive their cars. "Better than driving. We could have fun and not worry about the drive back or sit in traffic," said Gutierrez.
One review of the train ride instean of a car including the overall experience compared to the stress of driving. "This ride out here was safe, clean and enjoyable. Adding more train schedules and times is going to be excellent," said Jackson.
If the train expansion gets some traction it comes without a lot of build out. Bonfilio said, "that's the great thing about adding this local service, there's already tracks available stations available and frankly riders interested in this service."
Also coordinating with the future plan is the San Luis Obispo County Organization of Governments. (SLOCOG).
(More details, photos and video will be added here later today.)
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