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The economic recession and shorter month took a toll on California's intercity passenger-rail ridership in February.

Ridership on the Auburn-to-San Jose Capitol Corridor totaled 115,271, down 6.7 percent compared with February 2008's total. Revenue totaling $1.6 million dropped 2 percent. In addition to economic factors and one less day in the month (vs. 2008's leap year), the Capitol Corridor ridership suffered from reduced train service and a bus bridge temporarily implemented between Suisun-Fairfield and Sacramento, as well as unanticipated delays during a tie renewal and track upgrade project, the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority said.

Meanwhile, February ridership on the San Diego-to-San Luis Obispo Pacific Surfliner plummeted 16.8 percent to 169,971 and revenue dipped 11.1 percent to $2.9 million.

Ridership on the Oakland-Sacramento-Bakersfield San Joaquins rose 0.7 percent to 62,960 and revenue increased 6.2 percent to $1.9 million.