Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
As Southern California prepares to welcome the world for a summer of internationally watched soccer matches, the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® service, and Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board announced a new partnership on March 30 “designed to help fans experience Los Angeles and the greater Southern California region with ease—on match days and beyond.”
Pacific Surfliner now offers an additional daily roundtrip between San Diego and Los Angeles. Fans across Southern California will experience this partnership firsthand as a brightly wrapped train car travels along the 351-mile coastal corridor “to build excitement, celebrate the region, and remind riders of the world’s most-watched soccer matches coming to Los Angeles this summer.”
“Southern California is built for moments like this—world-class sports, iconic destinations, and a connected coastline,” said Jason Jewell, LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Managing Director. “By partnering with the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, we’re making it easier for soccer fans from around the globe, as well as local supporters, to experience Los Angeles without the stress of traffic or parking, while also discovering everything Southern California has to offer.”
As part of the partnership, travelers can unlock a 20% discount on Pacific Surfliner fares to and from Los Angeles between May 1, 2026 – July 15, 2026.
“Los Angeles is ready to welcome fans from near and far this summer,” said Eileen Hanson, Chief Marketing Officer of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “Pacific Surfliner makes it easy for visitors to experience LA like a local by arriving sustainably, exploring beyond the stadium, and discovering the diverse neighborhoods, beaches, and iconic attractions that make Los Angeles such a dynamic global destination.”
More information is available here.
TriMet
On Saturday, April 18, from noon to 3 p.m., TriMet will host a public celebration of its Type 1 MAX trains before they go out of service forever.
The event will be at Holladay Park in Northeast Portland, adjacent to the agency’s Lloyd Center/NE 11th Ave MAX Station. Anyone can join in this historic moment and interact, possibly for the last time, with a piece of regional and national transit history. It’s an opportunity to say goodbye to a train that has provided hundreds of thousands of trips over the past 40 years.
The Type 1s launched modern light rail in the Portland metro area in 1986. In doing so, the vehicles set a standard for other public transportation agencies to follow. After nearly four decades of service—providing millions of trips and traveling millions of miles—the remaining Type 1s are now 10 years past their due date, with their final days numbered.
TriMet began decommissioning the vehicles—preparing them for recycling or donation—in 2024 as the agency began introducing its newest trains, the Type 6s. The Type 1s, among the oldest light rail vehicles still operating on a major transit system in the United States, had exceeded their lifecycle, and replacement parts for them had become difficult to source.
“As much as the Type 1 has served as a reliable means of transportation for countless people over the decades, it has also acted as an inspiration for what’s possible here at TriMet,” TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. said. “Without top-notch mechanics, operators, supervisors, cleaners and others, these trains would not have been able to provide the decades of service they have.”
The April 18 event will celebrate the 40-year history of the Type 1 and the employees, current and retired, who helped keep these trains running amid a changing system.
MBTA
Governor Maura Healey on March 31 announced a series of summer fare promotions and discounts on the MBTA Commuter Rail “to lower costs for riders, support regular commuters and encourage more people to choose public transportation as Massachusetts prepares for a busy season of major events across the state.”
Governor Healey made the announcement at North Station alongside Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng on Monday, where they outlined four promotions that will run on the Commuter Rail through June, July, and August, including Free Fridays, a 50% discount on monthly passes, and more. Monthly passholders will save between $321 and $639 over the summer, depending on their route.
With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving, the MBTA noted. These steps will help residents and visitors get around during a busy summer while making public transportation a more convenient choice for everyday travel.
“As we prepare for events like the World Cup, MA250, Tall Ships, and for millions of visitors to experience all that Massachusetts has to offer, we want to thank our regular riders that rely on us 365 days a year for your patience and continuing to choose transit during this unprecedented summer. These free and discounted summer Commuter Rail services are a Thank You to our regular passengers and to encourage more people to experience the convenience of leaving their cars at home and choosing transit,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We are committed to furthering MassDOT’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and resilient transportation in every corner of the state, and we hope passengers across the region take advantage of our Free Summer Fridays, summer discounts, and bringing a friend on the Commuter Rail on weekends for just $1 each way to explore the many wonderful recreational opportunities Massachusetts has to offer just a train trip away.”
The following fare promotions will be available through June, July and August 2026:
Free Summer Fridays
All Commuter Rail service will be free on Fridays in June, July, and August 2026, including Juneteenth and July 3. Regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxboro.
50% Discount on Monthly Commuter Rail Passes
Calendar month Commuter Rail passes for June, July, and August 2026 will be discounted by 50%. This discount applies to full fare and reduced fare monthly passes for Zones 1 through 10, Interzone 1 through 10, and Commuter Ferry passes. This discount will not apply to Zone 1A passes. All non-calendar month Commuter Rail products (for example, single-ride tickets, 5-Day Flex Passes, and Weekend Passes) will remain at their standard prices.
Expanded Weekend Travel for Monthly Pass Holders
Monthly Commuter Rail passes will be valid for travel to any zone on weekends. Zone 1 through 10 pass holders may travel through Zone 10, and Interzone pass holders may travel through Interzone 10. This does not apply to Zone 1A passes or ferry service. Regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxboro.
$1 Weekend “Summer Companion” Fare for Commuter Rail Monthly Pass Holders
Monthly pass holders may bring one companion on any weekend Commuter Rail trip covered by their pass for $1 each way. This offer is limited to one companion per pass holder. Regular fares will remain in place for Boston Stadium trains, the CapeFLYER, and other special event trains to Foxboro.
To support increased ridership during the FIFA World Cup, the MBTA will temporarily adjust Commuter Rail schedules in June and July, including expanded service to accommodate up to 20,000 passengers on 14 trains per match day to Boston Stadium.
The MBTA says it recognizes that these temporary schedule changes may affect regular riders. These fare discounts are intended to offset those impacts, support regular riders, and encourage more people to choose transit during a busy summer season and beyond.
