Last spring the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner began its new early-morning train service to Goleta and Santa Barbara to better accommodate commuters in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. The new schedule allows northbound riders to arrive into Santa Barbara at 6:47 a.m. and Goleta by 7:16 a.m. In the afternoon, the southbound train departs Goleta at 4:25 p.m. and Santa Barbara at 4:40 p.m.

Once at the train station, you can take one of the MTD train shuttles to your place of work for free. The shuttles run from the Goleta and Santa Barbara train stations to locations in Santa Barbara, Cottage Hospital and along Hollister Avenue. They are available to take people back to the train stations in the afternoon as well. For those who prefer to bike to work from the train station, bike lockers are available to rent. In an effort to increase ridership on the early morning trains, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments is offering a free trial pass. There are also unlimited monthly passes and ten-ride passes available. More information is available at www.trafficsolutions.org/Train.