Starting earlier this week, Amtrak San Joaquins adjusted their schedule to better accommodate weekend leisure travelers on San Joaquins trains 718 and 1701. San Joaquins train 718 will now operate full corridor to Bakersfield on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays. Additionally, San Joaquins train 1701 will operate on a later, full corridor schedule from Bakersfield providing an afternoon arrival into Sacramento. Both changes allow for a shorter Thruway Bus connection to/from Los Angeles. In conjunction with these changes, San Joaquins train 701 will depart later from Fresno at 4:45 a.m.
Change Summary:
| Train Number | Before December 17, 2018 | After December 17, 2018 |
| 701 | Monday – FridayDepart Fresno at 4:25 a.m. Arrive in Sacramento at 7:49 a.m. |
Monday – FridayDepart Fresno at 4:45 a.m. Arrive in Sacramento at 7:59 a.m. |
| 718 | 7 Days A WeekDepart Oakland at 5:55 p.m. Terminate in Fresno at 9:52 p.m. |
Sunday – ThursdayDepart Oakland at 5:55 p.m. Terminate in Fresno at 9:52 p.m. Friday, Saturday & Holidays |
| 1701 | Saturday & Sundays & HolidaysDepart Fresno at 5:15 a.m. Arrive in Sacramento at 8:36 a.m. |
Saturday, Sundays & HolidaysDepart Bakersfield at 10:15 a.m. Stop at Fresno at 12:04 p.m. Arrive in Sacramento at 3:24 p.m. |
The changes were made to better accommodate weekend availability for leisure travelers traveling along the route to destinations such as Los Angeles, Oakland, and Sacramento. With the revised schedules, passengers will enjoy improved timing on these trains as well as additional options that include reduced travel times on board a Thruway bus.
San Joaquins will be adding cars to existing trains to increase capacity for the holidays. Riders are encouraged to purchase their ticket in advance as seats may sell out on certain trains and Thruway buses. Ticket reservations are required through Thursday, December 27.
