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The recession might finally be taking a toll on intercity passenger-rail travel. In March, ridership on intercity routes in California fell substantially, according to the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA).

Ridership on the Auburn-to-San Jose Capitol Corridor totaled 126,646, down 8.4 percent compared with March 2008’s total. However, ridership was affected by a Union Pacific Railroad track renewal project in the month’s first half, CCJPA said, adding that the route still is the nation’s third-busiest intercity line.

Meanwhile, the Oakland-Sacramento-Bakersfield San Joaquins service carried 71,043 passengers, down 9.3 percent, and the San Diego-to-San Luis Obispo Pacific Surfliner carried 202,408 riders, down 18.6 percent year over year.