Amtrak Gold Runner rebrand ties trains and Thruway buses

Amtrak Gold Runner is the new name for the San Joaquins line and its connected Thruway bus network, as outlined in an Amtrak media release.

The San Joaquins line, now rebranded as Gold Runner, is described as the sixth-busiest rail route in the country, as covered by Railway Supply.

Last month, Amtrak said the Central Valley service that runs from Bakersfield north to Oakland and Sacramento would now be presented under the Gold Runner brand. The idea is to treat the train route and Thruway bus connections as one coordinated offering, rather than separate pieces of the same trip.

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Amtrak Gold Runner route across California’s Central Valley

Gold Runner starts in Bakersfield and heads through the Central Valley, with stops in Fresno, Modesto, Stockton, Lodi, and Sacramento. Many of those stations are framed as convenient gateways to Yosemite, the Mojave Desert, and wine country, including Napa.

In Stockton, the route splits into two northern endpoints: one branch continues to Oakland, while the other goes to Sacramento. Travelers coming from Los Angeles can get to Bakersfield in about 2–3 hours via Thruway buses departing from Union Station, setting up an easy bus-to-rail transfer for the rest of the journey.

San Joaquins line rebrand and the “new era” message

The San Joaquins route has operated since the 1970s, but the Gold Runner name is intended to signal “a new era for California passenger rail.” David Lipari, interim executive director of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), said the new identity aims to capture the region’s “energy and optimism” and position the service for the future of passenger rail and intercity bus service. He also said it reflects a spirit of partnership, innovation, and service.

Gold Runner BOGO sale details and discount code V302

Alongside the rebrand, Amtrak Gold Runner is running a holiday BOGO sale. Under the offer, riders can buy one ticket and get up to five more tickets half off on the same itinerary by entering discount code V302 at checkout, with the details posted on the Gold Runner BOGO sale page.

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