By Transit California Staff
Gold Runner Launch Marks a New Chapter for Rail and Bus Travel in California
In November, the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) celebrated the official launch of Gold Runner, marking a major step forward for California’s intercity passenger rail. Regional and state leaders joined community members and transportation partners in Stockton to officially unveil Gold Runner-branded trains and Thruway bus equipment for revenue service.
“This new identity highlights what makes us unique – a comprehensive network that connects half of our riders to our Thruway buses,” said David Lipari, Interim Executive Director of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. “This is not just a rebrand, it’s a renewed commitment to innovation, to accessibility, and to passenger experience, ensuring our service continues to serve our growing regions that we interact with all up and down the Central Valley into the Bay Area, all the way north to Eureka and south to San Diego. We are committed to being a service that connects everyone together.”
Lipari served as emcee for the event, which featured remarks from Doug Verboon, Kings County Supervisor and Chair of the SJJPA Board, and Kyle Gradinger, Chief for Caltrans Division of Rail. The program also included a video message from Amtrak President, Roger Harris.
“We changed the brand from San Joaquins to Gold Runner to shine a new light on our services. We want to make sure people understand that we have a train that delivers them to where they need to go without promises that are not met,” said SJJPA Chair Verboon. “It shows that we work together as one – Contra Costa County is working with Kings County – we are different, but we have one common goal and that is to provide a continued service, a quality service with on-time performance and great ridership experience.”
“We take a look at the State Rail Plan through the Gold Runner service, and we can see why Gold Runner is so important for California and for our policy goals,” said Kyle Gradinger, Chief for Caltrans Division of Rail. “Over the past year, more than 900,000 trips were taken on the Gold Runner with an average trip length of 144 miles per trip. That equates to over 135 million passenger miles traveled. Not only does this service deliver the big statistics, it also ties the state together and provides vital connections to global cities, to small towns and to rural communities, and to those destinations that visitors come from across the world to visit in California.”
“Today’s rebrand is a testament to SJJPA’s vision and leadership, and to the power of local stewardship,” said Amtrak President, Roger Harris. “Amtrak remains a proud and active partner in this journey. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with SJJPA to enhance connectivity and ensure that passengers across the state enjoy a unified, world-class experience.”
The service that communities have long relied on under the San Joaquins name, now operating as Gold Runner, will continue to connect California through a unified rail and Thruway bus network. Trains link Sacramento through the San Joaquin Valley to Bakersfield and from Stockton to the Bay Area, while the Thruway bus system extends those connections to destinations across the state. This new identity preserves the trusted service passengers know while positioning the network for future growth, expanded access, and even stronger connections between California’s communities.
“It’s not just about trains,” said Gradinger. “Caltrans and the SJJPA have built a robust network of bus services that pulls travelers in from all corners of this large state. Around two thirds of the passengers on a Gold Runner train start or end their journey on a connecting bus, so that intramodality is vital to ensuring we achieve our statewide goals. These connecting buses link communities without rail stations and they give residents in rural and small cities access to that same statewide network as the larger regions.”
The event also included an official ribbon cutting ceremony as well as performances by the Franklin High School Marching Band. Attendees got an up-close look at the newly rebranded equipment that will soon be seen across the San Joaquin Valley, the Bay Area, and throughout California on the Thruway Bus network.
SJJPA’s partnership with Amtrak remains central to the Gold Runner experience, ensuring riders enjoy consistent service and connections across California’s passenger rail network. The rebrand aligns with the Authority’s long-term vision to expand mobility options and strengthen the role of passenger rail in the state’s transportation future.
Golden Empire Transit Highlights Career Opportunities in Public Transportation during National Transit Career Day
Golden Empire Transit District (GET) joined the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and transit agencies nationwide in celebrating National Transit Career Day on Thursday, November 13, 2025. To mark the occasion, GET hosted a public job fair with onsite interviews
National Transit Career Day highlights the wide range of careers that keep America’s transit systems moving—from engineers and planners to operators, technicians, and executives. The event also underscores the essential role public transportation plays in supporting local economies, enhancing mobility, and connecting communities.
“National Transit Career Day gives us the chance to showcase career opportunities right here in Bakersfield and demonstrate how public transportation careers strengthen our community,” said Chris James, Golden Empire Transit CEO. “We’re proud to offer positions across multiple disciplines. This year’s job fair—with onsite interviews—makes it even easier for qualified candidates to take the first step toward a meaningful career.”
The public transportation industry employs more than 383,000 people nationwide, spanning a wide range of skill levels and professional backgrounds. According to APTA, over 77 percent of federal transit funding flows to the private sector—creating job opportunities not only within transit agencies but also across the many companies that support the industry.
The Golden Empire Transit District (GET), formed in July 1973, is the primary public transportation provider for the Bakersfield Urbanized Area. GET operates the largest public transit system within a 110-mile radius. With a fleet of 82-compressed natural gas (CNG) buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks, GET services 15 fixed routes, operating seven days a week. Each year, GET logs over 4 million trips. In addition to its fixed-route buses, GET operates 51 CNG-powered GET-A-LIFT paratransit buses for riders with disabilities and 14 Hydrogen Fuel Cell buses as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.
OCTA Releases 2025 Next 10 Delivery Plan, Advancing Transportation Improvements Through 2035
The Orange County Transportation Authority has released the 2025 update of its Measure M2 Next 10 Delivery Plan, providing a refreshed and fiscally responsible roadmap for delivering freeway, street, transit, and environmental improvements across Orange County through 2035.
The plan, approved by the OCTA Board of Directors on Monday, Dec. 8, incorporates the most recent sales tax revenue forecast (now estimated at $13.2 billion through 2041), external funding assumptions, and refined project schedules and costs to ensure OCTA continues meeting the commitments made to voters when the half-cent transportation sales tax measure was approved in 2006.
“This updated Next 10 Plan reflects OCTA’s continued promise to deliver meaningful mobility improvements for the people of Orange County,” OCTA Chair Doug Chaffee said. “Even in the face of economic and regulatory challenges, OCTA remains fully committed to responsible planning and investing in projects that keep our communities moving safely and efficiently.”
The 2025 update confirms that the full M2 Program remains deliverable through 2041 and outlines approximately $6.1 billion in transportation investments over the next decade. The plan continues to prioritize early delivery of improvements while maintaining financial sustainability and limiting reliance on future debt.
The Freeway Program is one key part of the Next 10 Plan. Of the 30 project segments identified for delivery, 17 have been completed, three are currently under construction, and eight are advancing through final design. OCTA remains on track to complete 93% of freeway segments by 2033 – eight years early – despite inflationary pressures and evolving regulatory requirements.
The update also maintains critical funding for the Environmental Mitigation Program, which provides long-term preservation and restoration of open space to offset project impacts. OCTA continues to progress toward its endowment goal to support the management of protected properties.
Across local streets and roads, the plan supports continued investment in the Regional Capacity Program, Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program, and Local Fair Share Program. These efforts help cities reduce congestion, coordinate traffic signals across 2,000 intersections, and maintain essential transportation infrastructure.
The Transit Program remains a major area of focus, particularly the sustainability of Metrolink operations. While ridership is growing, performance continues to fall short of forecasts, and rising costs present long-term financial challenges. OCTA is working closely with Metrolink and partner agencies to develop a financially sustainable service plan that protects Orange County’s rail mobility needs through 2041.
Preparation and testing also continues for the OC Streetcar, scheduled to open in 2026, and the plan maintains stable funding for senior mobility programs, community-based transit circulators, and enhancements at the county’s busiest bus stops.
Railroad track stabilization in south Orange County remains a top priority, as coastal erosion and storm surges continue to pose risks to the LOSSAN Rail Corridor. OCTA is partnering with state and regional agencies to pursue both short-term protections and a long-term strategy to ensure rail service reliability.
The plan addresses several key risks, including a 5.7% decrease in the long-term sales tax revenue forecast and anticipated construction cost increases in the coming years. Despite these challenges, OCTA’s disciplined financial planning ensures the agency can continue delivering its commitments while adapting to changing conditions.
With the updated revenue outlook, refined project information, and ongoing collaboration among local and regional partners, the 2025 Next 10 Delivery Plan reinforces OCTA’s role in providing balanced, sustainable transportation solutions for Orange County.
Orange County Transportation Authority Celebrates the Service and Dedication of its Military Veterans During Veterans Day Appreciation Ceremony
OCTA’s annual event once again paid tribute to veterans for their service and honored those who continue providing for the community through their work in public transportation
The Orange County Transportation Authority proudly recognized the military service of employees and their family members during OCTA’s annual Veterans Day Appreciation event.
OCTA employs dozens of veterans who have served in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. The agency has long been recognized by military organizations as a military-friendly employer, actively recruiting and supporting veterans as they transition from military to civilian careers.
Veterans at OCTA serve in a variety of roles across the agency, from coach operators and maintenance technicians to administrative and management positions, continuing their commitment to public service by helping Orange County residents travel safely and efficiently every day.
“The dedication and integrity our veterans bring to their work reflect the same spirit of service that guided them in uniform,” said OCTA Chair Doug Chaffee. “We are proud to honor these men and women whose leadership and commitment continue to strengthen both our agency and our community.”
During the ceremony, 68 veterans were presented with a commemorative coin designed with the American flag and the words “2025 Veterans Day” on one side, and “United States Veterans” and the OCTA logo on the other.
The Santa Ana High School Navy Junior ROTC presented the colors, and OCTA’s manager of IS Technical Services Josh Duke, who is also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, delivered remarks.
In addition to honoring OCTA employees who served in the military, the agency also recognized several staff members with family members currently serving in the armed forces.
This year marks the 13th time OCTA has honored its veterans during a Veterans Day Appreciation event, reinforcing OCTA’s ongoing commitment to supporting veterans in the workplace. The agency continues to collaborate with local colleges, universities, and military organizations to help veterans build fulfilling careers in the transportation industry.
Podcast: BART Leans into ideas from employees to save money and improve the rider experience
Sometimes all it takes is changing something as small as how BART cleaners store and keep track of their mops to make a big improvement in the rider experience. On this edition of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART ," Chris Filippi from the BART Communications Department is joined by Jessie Rubin who is BART’s Senior Manager of Performance and Innovation. Rubin’s team is leading an effort to take some of the best ideas from BART staff and turn them into real-world improvements that can transform the daily rider experience. This “from the bottom up” effort to spur innovation is giving employees a voice and it’s really true that if there is something that is a pain point for a BART employee, it’s likely also an issue for riders.
Listen to the latest podcast.
San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) Announces Appointment of Chris Orlando as Chief Executive Officer
The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) is excited to announce the appointment of Chris Orlando as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Orlando is a highly accomplished executive with more than two decades of leadership experience across public transportation, government, strategic communications, and private-sector business development. He brings a distinguished record of transforming transit systems, guiding complex capital programs, and building collaborative, high-performing organizations.
Mr. Orlando has served in key executive roles within major California transportation agencies, including his most recent position as Deputy Managing Director for the Los Angeles–San Diego–San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency (LOSSAN), which oversees the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, an intercity rail service based in Southern California. He also held extensive leadership roles at the North County Transit District (NCTD), where his responsibilities spanned rail and bus operations, strategic planning, innovative mobility solutions, customer service improvements, government affairs, and capital funding and grant programs.
A seasoned public-sector leader, Mr. Orlando served 12 years on the San Marcos City Council, helping guide regional planning, transportation-oriented development, long-range policy updates, and fiscally responsible governance. His private-sector experience includes co-founding a successful technology company and directing communications and strategic initiatives for national organizations.
Mr. Orlando steps into the CEO role as SJRRC advances major service enhancements, pursues transformative infrastructure investments, and prepares for the next generation of passenger rail in the Central Valley and beyond. His background in operational excellence, innovation, and strategic growth aligns with the Commission’s ambitious vision for the future. In addition to his role with SJRRC, Mr. Orlando will also serve as CEO of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA). SJJPA is administered by SJRRC, which provides management support, staffing, and strategic oversight to ensure aligned planning and coordinated delivery of passenger rail and bus services. Under this structure, SJRRC oversees the ACE commuter rail service, while SJJPA is responsible for the Gold Runner intercity service. This shared leadership approach strengthens efficiency, supports unified decision-making, and enhances coordination between the region’s commuter and intercity rail networks.
From CEO Chris Orlando: “I am honored to join the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission as Chief Executive Officer,” said Chris Orlando. “I want to thank the SJRRC Board for their confidence and for the opportunity to serve in this role. SJRRC and SJJPA together oversee a vital network of commuter rail, intercity rail, and connecting bus services, and I’m excited to help advance this integrated system. The agencies have built a strong foundation of service, innovation, and regional collaboration, and I am committed to leading the next era of growth. Together with our Board, staff, and partners, we will continue to deliver reliable, forward-looking passenger rail and transit services that connect communities and expand opportunity across the region.”
From Chair Lisa Craig-Hensley – San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission: “We are excited to welcome Chris Orlando as SJRRC’s next CEO,” said SJRRC Chair Lisa Craig-Hensley. “Chris brings an exceptional blend of executive leadership, public policy experience, transportation expertise, and strategic vision. His collaborative focused approach to drive major transit initiatives and strengthen regional mobility systems makes him the right leader to guide SJRRC into its next chapter. We also want to express our deep appreciation to David Lipari for his outstanding service as Interim Executive Director. His leadership during this transition has been invaluable, and we are grateful that he will continue to play a key role in the agency’s success as Deputy Executive Director. We look forward to working with both Chris and David as we continue building a transformative future for rail and bus in California.”