Greetings all. My apologies, I'm not sure if this question belongs in the Amtrak Guest Rewards or Travel/Dining/California forum, but my searches on this topic led me here, where luggage has been discussed before. Also, you will soon note that I am a complete novice to the California/Bay area, but take heart, I learn fast (I hope!)

First: I want to go from Salinas to San Francisco without waiting for the Coast Starlight train. (I suppose I could take Greyhound, but I'd rather train if possible at least part of the way.)

Amtrak site tells me there's a Thruway bus Salinas-San Jose leaving 10:55 arriving San Jose 12:10, connecting with a Capitols train departing 12:20 arriving Oakland Coliseum 13:14. I hope to use the pedestrian overpass there to BART to connect to San Francisco.

Question 1: Is this a legal itinerary? Amtrak site says 'book with train' - but this Thruway bus IS being booked with a train, the Capitols train.

Question 2: No checked luggage is available on this particular Thruway bus. Quite honestly, from the sound of it I don't want to use checked luggage - we only have a small duffle (about 24 by 12 by 12) and a day backpack apiece, can we not bring it aboard the bus with us?

Question 3: If what I am proposing is insane for whatever reason, does anyone have an alternative?