Passing through the Metrolink station in Orange is Amtrak Pacific Surfliner 580. This afternoon's train is unusual for two reasons: Amtrak Dash 8-32BWH 509, usually used as yard power in Amtrak's Redondo Junction facility in Los Angeles, and the fact that this train is not operating all the way to San Diego. A massive right-of-way stabilization project in San Clemente, where the right-of-way has the earth below it eroding thanks to the waves of the Pacific Ocean, requires this train to only operate from Los Angeles to Irvine, as Amtrak (and Metrolink) are providing bus service between Irvine and Oceanside, in northern San Diego County. Over on Track 1's platform, commuters are awaiting the arrival of Metrolink train 806 (Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo to downtown Riverside) which is so close that the Surfliner will meet it about a half-mile ahead. (Orange, California – October 18, 2022)
Stretching from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, the Surf Line has become Amtrak's second busiest route. See the Pacific Surfliner and San Diegan in action along with trains from predecessors Santa Fe and Southern Pacific.
