CalMod Train rendering
CalMod logo Year in Review 2017

E-newsletter

What is Calmod?

The Caltrain Modernization Program (CalMod) will electrify and upgrade the performance, operating efficiency, capacity, safety, and reliability of Caltrain’s commuter rail service. CalMod includes the replacement of 75 percent of Caltrain’s diesel service with high-performance electric trains; the electrification of the existing corridor between San Francisco and San Jose; and the installation of an advanced signal system that includes federally mandated safety improvements. Simply stated, Caltrain will be modernized to provide better service to more riders, reduce air pollution, and improve service frequency.

Year in Review

The past year was an exciting one for the CalMod program, full of great progress. After decades of planning, the Caltrain Electrification project is now underway, with passenger service anticipated to begin in 2022. Read on to learn more about the groundbreakings, infrastructure and electric train progress, and for opportunities for feedback.

Caltrain Electrification Receives Federal Funding

On May 22, the Federal Transit Administration announced approval of a $647 million grant for Caltrain Electrification, making it possible for this long-anticipated modernization project to move forward. Thank you to the countless policymakers, community leaders, employers, and especially the riders, who worked to make this project a reality. To read Caltrain CEO Jim Hartnett’s statement on the award announcement click here.

Electrification Timeline

Caltrain expects to have a new electrified service and schedule in place in the second quarter of 2022. The project schedule was updated in July 2017 to account for the federal funding delay. For more information about the cause for the federal funding delay, click here. We are grateful to our federal delegation and community partners that kept pushing the Administration to support the project. The project is now fully funded, and a project groundbreaking occurred on July 21, 2017.

Caltrain Electrification Timeline

Groundbreakings

Caltrain Electrification Kicks Off

On July 21, Governor Jerry Brown, joined Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, and state and local elected officials, business leaders, transportation advocates and environmentalists at the Millbrae Caltrain Station for the official Caltrain Electrification groundbreaking. To learn more about the event, click here.

Caltrain Electrification Groundbreaking

Growing Jobs: Vehicle Manufacturing Plant Groundbreaking

Caltrain Electrification made the creation of a new vehicle plant in Salt Lake City possible. The project’s order of 16 new electric trains was the impetus for the new facility that will employ over 550 workers. On October 13, Utah Governor Gary Herbert, Senator Orrin Hatch, and other state and local elected officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the Stadler US manufacturing facility that will assemble the trains beginning in mid-May 2018.

Salt Lake City Vehicle Plant Groundbreaking

What's Happening Now

Caltrain Electrification Construction

Construction to make Caltrain a modern, electric commuter rail system has begun! Construction will include activities such as installing foundations, poles, and stringing wire. The corridor, from San Jose to San Francisco, has been divided into four different work segments, as seen in the map below. Construction work has started in the north part of Segment 2. This segment includes cities from South San Francisco to Atherton. For more construction information or to sign up for weekly construction updates click here.

Caltrain Electrification Construction Work Segment Map

Electric Train Design

In the spring, Caltrain launched a website to engage the public on the look and feel of the new electric trains. The site served as one of the critical avenues for public feedback on the train’s onboard bike storage, seat colors, and exterior design. Visitors can also learn about the train’s features, amenities, and general configurations and are encouraged to come back often to see the latest renderings and updates. To learn more visit calmodtrains.com.

Project Outreach Office

Caltrain has a dedicated CalMod project outreach office located at 2121 S. El Camino, Suite A-100 in San Mateo. See samples on display (try out the chosen seats!) and get your questions answered. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To take the train there, check the weekday timetable (Hayward Park is the closest station).