San Diego-Los Angeles "express" trains?

I noticed there's some OCTA talk about making Metrolink-Amtrak-Coaster train services easier to use for first-time riders. They recently did focus group studies on how they could improve service along the LOSSAN corridor. In a memo on August 14, 2008 with the subject "Los Angeles-San Diego Rail Corridor Service Integration Focus Group Findings," OCTA notes that:

The prospect of a unified schedule for the three train systems was well received. Participants were positive about the possibility of having the schedule for all trains in the corridor on one page. The schedule could appear on a consolidated website, where it could be viewed on a computer and could be printed for reference. It could also be attached to the walls at train stations.

We need to make the service easier to use. Both riders and non-rider focus group participants like the concept of integrating services on the LOSSAN corridor so it is easy to use. This includes schedules, fares, and system information.

An integrated map and schedule like the one above definitely would help reduce confusion among first-time train riders. For instance, a map like this could be printed on both sides of the tracks, with appropriate "You are here" signage. But an eventual pipe dream would be to combine all these services into one brand (say, "Pacific Surfliner Local" for existing Coaster and Metrolink, and "Pacific Surfliner Express" for Amtrak's service). First-time riders already have a difficult enough time as it is figuring out where to park, which vending machine to buy tickets for which agency, and which track to wait on. Any steps that reduce the cognitive load helps.

The idea of a "Pacific Surfliner Express" isn't far-fetched: a few San Diego politicians are looking into an express train from San Diego to Los Angeles (I can't seem to track the exact news article down). Amtrak's current Pacific Surfliner service is about as "express" as you can get today.