The Santa Cruz (California) Metropolitan Transit District took over Amtrak connector service Monday, merging it with its Highway 17 Express bus to create the new Highway 17 Express Amtrak Thruway bus service.

Starting Monday, Amtrak and Highway 17 Express bus riders shared a bus for the first time.

The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District took over Amtrak connector service to the San Jose train station Monday, changing fares and routes. But General Manager Les White said the change went over without much of a hitch.

"I talked to (Bryant Baehr, head of operations) this morning, and it