STOCKTON, Calif. — The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority has made official its rebrand of Amtrak’s San Joaquins as Gold Runner trains.
The move came on Monday, Nov. 3, and was effective immediately. Trains.com had previously reported plans for the move as part of a report on other changes for San Joaquins and Capitol Corridor trains [see “Maintenance responsibilities shift …,” Trains.com, Sept. 29, 2025]. The rebranding was approved at a March meeting of the Authority. A spokesman said at the time that the full rebrand — intended to provide an identify better reflecting the broad scope of the service — would likely take up to three years.
“Gold Runner represents more than a new name, it’s a symbol of our commitment to our passengers and California’s communities,” David Lipari, interim executive director of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, said in a press release on Monday. “This new identity captures the energy and optimism of our region while positioning us for the future of passenger rail and intercity bus service. It reflects the spirit of partnership, innovation, and service that defines everything we do.”
The authority will unveil Gold Runner-branded trains and Thruway buses at a Nov. 14 event at the Altamont Corridor Express Rail Maintenance Facility in Stockton, as well as a ribbon-cutting to mark the beginning of the Gold Runner era.
The Authority says the change will give it the ability to steward the brand, which reflects its vision, values, and regional identity. The new branding, it says, builds on its collaboration with Amtrak and shared commitment to passengers. Amtrak and the Authority will continue pursue co-branding to enhance connectivity and ensures a seamless experience for riders.
As a citizen of the Golden State I am frequently baffled by actions of my government at every level, including our JPAs. Knowing something about the cost and difficulty of rebranding something as big as this transportation service, this is going to be high on my list of “most baffling in 2025.”
Or in a throwback to the SP when some trains went to Bay Area, and other to Sacramento, how about the San Joaquin Daylight and the Sacramento Daylight? Substitute, Starlight for late afternoon – early evening trains.
Valley Flyer would have been more apt.