The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), which manages California’s Gold Runner rail service, has released chapters one and two (study overview and existing conditions) of a draft study examining the future of the Gold Runner Thruway Bus network, the web of connecting buses that extends rail service to more than 100 communities across California and neighboring states. While the draft focuses on improving reliability, customer experience and future expansion of the existing network, a coalition of transit advocates is urging the agency to use the study as a blueprint for a truly statewide transit network where buses, trains and regional transit providers operate as a seamless system. The draft Gold Runner Thruway Bus Study examines opportunities to strengthen service reliability, improve passenger amenities, coordinate schedules and identify future expansion opportunities. In a joint letter to SJJPA staff and board members, representatives from Seamless Bay Area, the Transbay Coalition and Hiking by Transit call the Gold Runner Thruway network “a critical part of California’s integrated regional transportation network” while arguing that the final report should focus on building a statewide network rather than simply improving existing bus routes. “The Gold Runner thruway network has been growing post-COVID with partnerships with transit agencies around the Central Valley, acting as schedule coordinator and ticket vendor for buses to Redding, Chico, and Visalia.