Surfliner (railcar)

The Surfliner is a family of bi-level intercity railcars derived from the California Car and, like its predecessor, derived from the Superliner in design, operated on Amtrak California's intercity routes in California and owned by both Amtrak and the California Department of Transportation. Alstom delivered the first order of cars for Amtrak between 2000 and 2001, and a second order for the Caltrans Division of Rail was delivered in 2002. While based on the Superliner, several changes were made to make the car more suitable for corridor services with frequent stops: one of the restrooms was moved to the upper level, a power outlet was added at every seat pair, the checked baggage compartment was moved into the lower level of the cab car, and a smaller galley on the lower level of the cafe car enabled the upper level to be used for revenue seating. In February 1998 Amtrak ordered 40 Surfliner cars, and the first cars started operating on the Pacific Surfliner in April 2000. In September 1999 Caltrans placed a smaller order for 22 cars, ten used on the Pacific Surfliner and twelve to expand the fleet on the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin, the final Surfliner cars to be built, with delivery completed in 2002.