if WB CZ is significantly late at Truckee, how easy is it to change?

[JoeSF]

(Sorry my topic heading is too long. It's the first time I started a topic. The full topic is "If the CZ is significantly late WB at Truckee, how easy is it to change to the Capital Corridor bus?")

I'm planning quick, three day trip from the Bay Area to Truckee in February with my boyfriend to see some snow and have a nice ride on the Zephyr. Last time I was on the Zephyr from Denver to Emeryville, it was about 7 hours late getting in to Emeryville, and even more so earlier this month. If this happens on the day of our return, how easy is it to change our ticket from the Zephyr (scheduled departure at 9:38 am) to the Thruway bus connectiing to the Capital Corridor in Scaramento (scheduled departure at 12:05 pm)? I see that the Truckee station is unstaffed; can I call Amtrak and change the reservation, or would they just hbusonor my ticket on the Thruway bus? I suppose that if heavy snow is the cause of the delay that the roads may not be open even so the bus wouldn't be running, but it would be good to have some options.

 

[roadman3313]

You should be able to change your ticket by calling Amtrak. Be warned... do not just cancel your reservation as you will receive an E-Voucher in return (presuming you cancel with less than a days notice) which you must redeem at a staffed station. Your existing tickets will not be valid on the bus as they are for a reserved train. If you can not do that for some reason you can go to the bus and ask the driver to board. Provided the bus is not sold out they will ask to collect your ID's and hold them until arrival into Sacramento where they will escort you to the ticket window to purchase or pick up tickets.

Best advice would be to call Amtrak and ask if they can change over your departure. As you mentioned though Amtrak California Thruway service is cancelled over Donner Pass during inclement weather and subject to delay at other times if road conditions are not favorable.

I have ridden the CZ twice in the past two months, once during a snow storm and we made it back into Emeryville early both times, even after leaving the mountains late. The schedule has close to an hour worth of schedule padding between Roseville and Emeryville as well so it can make up time before your arrival.

Honestly if it is snowing you will most likely have a much better chance of getting through on the train than the bus. Can't guarantee it but the CZ hasn't been that bad as of recent except for a few days here and there. Hopefully you will ride on a smooth day

 

[JoeSF]

Thanks roadman3313, this is just the information I need. The time I was so late westbound on the Zephyr I heard it was due to falling rocks on the track in Colorado, so weather seems to not always be a factor in the delays.