The Bicycle Club of Irvine

[Peter Gerrard]

As of this June, apparently, Amtrak train conducters do not have to allow bikes on trains without baggage cars. According to Amtrak (July 9) bikes are also supposed to have a special baggage ticket ($5- 10 on top of passenger fare) AND baggage loading is now limited to a few So Cal stations - namely, San Diego, Oceanside, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

Don't know if this also affects off-loading baggage/bikes at intermediate stops (like Irvine).

Station staff has limited awareness of this new rule, and some conducters seem to be ignoring it. However, it's now a crapshoot. Doesn't seem to affect Metrolink, but if you're riding to Solana Beach and want the train back you might be in for a long wait or more riding miles.

The Amtrak person I spoke with strongly suggested lodging a complaint via the "Contact Us" link at www.amtak.com.

Let's make some noise!
_________________
Peter G.
BCI #3329
peterg@cox.net