I mean there are ways to get sements like that in California as well without doing a run around. When I travel from EMY to OXN I have several options. I could take the CS which would be 100 points (assuming low bucket on a AAA fare), the SJ to the BFD-OXN bus which would be 200 points (2 segments with prices under $50 each), or could take the CC to SJC to the coastal bus from SJC-SLO and the PS from SLO-OXN for 300 points (3 segments with prices under $50 each). Under regular circumstances and occupancy, all 3 routes cost the same price ($47.70 on a AAA price).
If I were to always take the 3 segment trip round-trip once a week (used to go down Tuesday, up Thursday weekly "commuting" per say) I'd have 600 points per week. You basically would have Select by the end of February, Select Plus sometime in May, and Select Executive sometime by September. So it is possible depending on how many segments you have.
Generally I looked at the price and the timing in choosing which way I went more so than the points. So sometimes I took the CS because I had the time and wanted more of a relaxing ride and to talk to people on the train. Othertimes I took the 3 segments because I still got the coastal view on the PS but saved time and got a chepear meal stop on the bus at McDonald's in King City (If I'm on the train I know I'll spend and pay Amtrak prices for F&B... I don't usually bring my own food).
Even shorter trips can have this value though... for example if you commuted from Roseville to San Francisco the same would apply if you took the bus from RSV-SAC, CC from SAC-EMY, and bus from EMY-SFx. Granted if you did that regularly I'd assume one would get a 10-ride ticket instead.
Price wise I get the 10-ride because I can use pre-tax dollars to purchase it and have part of it subsidized by my employer. But figure I'm only getting 342 points a week for 10 rides instead of 1,000. But I'm also paying $171 instead of $280/week.
Can't say it is a cheap way but it allows for more options for those looking to obtain points for the same fare. I'm S+ and I only travel in California a few times a month using the 100-point minimum for tickets. It is is possible, granted there isn't as much value over here as there are no lounges to use it on and I don't go to the airport really so United Clubs are out for me too. Though having the option of getting 150-450 points for my trip instead of 100-300 is kinda nice... Guess I figure that I'm getting 10 points per dollar on my $45 fare which isn't that bad IMO!
