Subject
title
Reinstatement of Checked Baggage Service
overview
Overview
In November 2023, the Los Angeles - San Diego - San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency Board of Directors approved the Proposed Net Cost-Reduction Plan submitted by staff, which outlined a series of strategies aimed at reducing net operating costs while maintaining essential passenger services. A key component of the plan was the development of a revised station staffing model in collaboration with Amtrak, along with an evaluation of cost-effective opportunities to reopen select stations and restore checked baggage service.
With the revised station staffing model now implemented, and the successful reopening of Anaheim and Oceanside stations on March 10, 2025, staff recommends reinstating checked baggage service on the Pacific Surfliner. A financial model has also been developed to support cost recovery through a per-bag fee structure.
In addition, staff recommends updating the Pacific Surfliner baggage policy to align more closely with Amtrak’s national baggage policy while ensuring consistency and operational efficiency.
recommendation
Recommendation(s)
A. Coordinate with Amtrak to reinstate checked baggage service on the Pacific Surfliner.
B. Implement a baggage fee of $10 per checked bag to offset associated service costs.
C. Approve updates to the Pacific Surfliner baggage policy.