In a first-of-its-kind partnership in SLO County, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) and LOSSAN have partnered on a pilot rail buy-down program. As of May 1, 2025, travelers between the City of San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach and Guadalupe can benefit from discounted Amtrak Pacific Surfliner fares. One of the goals of the rail buydown pilot program and partnership is aimed at reducing traffic congestion during major construction on U.S. 101 southbound from the Five Cities Multimodal Transportation Network Enhancement Project in Pismo Beach, scheduled to start in early fall, while also making alternate modes of transportation more accessible to all.
“This partnership with LOSSAN gives both the daily and occasional commuters a cost-effective transit alternative. By improving access to rail and connecting services, our hope is to make it easier for residents and visitors to choose rail transit over driving,” said SLOCOG Executive Director, Pete Rodgers
The rail pilot, supported by State Transit Assistance (STA) funding, will lower the cost of single-day Amtrak tickets between the three stations of SLO, Grover Beach, and Guadalupe. In addition, 10-ride and monthly passes will be available at a 75% discount. Riders can also use their Amtrak ticket to board San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority and SLO Transit buses for free, when enroute to or from the train station.
Fare Structure
| Station Pair | Previous Fare | Updated Fare |
| Grover Beach ↔ Guadalupe | $9.00 | $2.00 |
| San Luis Obispo ↔ Grover Beach | $11.00 | $3.00 |
| San Luis Obispo ↔ Guadalupe | $17.00 | $4.00 |
“We’re proud to support this collaborative effort with SLOCOG, which offers residents and travelers a cost-effective and convenient option to travel using the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner while Highway 101 is impacted,” said LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Managing Director, Jason Jewell.
These efforts coincide with construction that is expected to temporarily close a southbound lane on the U.S. 101 between Avila Beach Drive and Frady Lane in Pismo Beach, increasing the need for alternative transportation options. For station arrival and departure times visit amtrak.com. Discounts for tickets bought between these station pairs will be automatically applied at checkout. The reduced ticket fares are not available on the Coast Starlight trains that serve the City of SLO station (only stop).