Electric Trains Operate on Caltrain Corridor for the First Time

The electrification of Caltrain has reached another major milestone as electric trains operated under power from the Overhead Catenary System (OCS) for the first time. The first test was conducted between Santa Clara and College Park stations on the Santa Clara “Drill Track”. Test runs will expand to the main line, between San Antonio and San Jose Diridon stations this summer. 

“Now that our new trains are running on our own power for the first time, it’s clear that the start of electrified service is just around the corner,” said Caltrain Board Chair Jeff Gee. “I couldn’t be more excited for our riders to experience the future of Caltrain next fall.” 

This is a major milestone in the Electrification Project, and makes the goal of launching electrified service next fall seem that much closer.

Weekend Shutdowns Resume as Construction Continues

Caltrain suspended its service between San Francisco and Millbrae stations on the weekends of June 10-11 and 17-18 in order to accommodate Caltrain Electrification construction and testing, with more scheduled for July 15-16 and 22-23. Construction crews continue to erect poles and hang wires for the OCS, as well as installing and testing signaling equipment. A bus bridge helped to connect riders with their destinations through the affected area.

The upcoming closures will be the 15th and 16th of approximately 30 weekends in 2023 in which service will be adjusted to accommodate construction and testing for electrified service, which is expected to launch passenger service in fall 2024. Thus far, construction crews have installed 66 poles this year along with more than 394,000 feet of wire - over 131 football fields worth!

Caltrain Adopts FY24 & FY25 Budgets

Caltrain’s Board of Directors approved its operating and capital budgets for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 and 2025 at the rail agency’s monthly board meeting. 

The operating budget will continue to fund Caltrain’s highest ever service levels of 104 trains per weekday, expanded service to South Santa Clara County in September 2023 and electrified service, which is expected to launch in fall 2024.

The Caltrain capital budget covers long-term infrastructure improvement and maintenance projects including maintenance work on stations and intermodal access, right of way signals and communications, and rolling stock.

The FY 2024 operating budget is in the amount of $193 million while FY 2025 will be $238 million. Caltrain’s FY 2024 capital budget is $510 million and FY 2025 $74.6 million. Caltrain is projecting a deficit of $33 million in FY2026 and $58 million in FY2027 based on the Strategic Financial Plan that was presented at the Board Workshop in March. An update to the Financial Plan will be made in September 2023.

Electric Train Tour on July 29

Rail fans, rejoice! Your first opportunity to get on board the new electric fleet is right around the corner. On Saturday, July 29, a new electric trainset will be parked at San Jose Diridon Station for a public tour. Caltrain is celebrating this milestone in style, with food trucks, music, games and fun for the whole family. Sign up today, and we look forward to seeing you on board to experience the future of Caltrain.

Caltrain Celebrates Pride, Runs Special Service to SF Parade

Caltrain was proud to offer extra train service on Sunday morning, June 25, to accommodate crowds heading to the 53rd annual San Francisco Pride Parade and Festival. Caltrain ambassadors onboard the extra northbound morning trains offered free limited edition “Ride with Pride” stickers and threw a welcome party at San Francisco Station with live music and entertainment. Over 6300 people rode Caltrain to Pride, and it was clear to our volunteers that all of them were happy to have left the commute to us.

The Caltrain of Directors passed a resolution honoring Pride Month at their June meeting. Caltrain commits to providing an inclusive community for employees and those within its service area by eradicating discrimination, harassment, bullying, and hate speech, and by standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ people and all those who have historically been marginalized for any reason.

Fare Increase Delayed Until 2024

Caltrain has extended the 20% Caltrain monthly pass discount through December 31, 2023 to encourage more riders to return to the system. In 2022, Caltrain adopted an updated fare structure that included a schedule of fare increases and changes. Two of those fare increases, a 50-cent base fare increase and an increase of the Monthly Pass Trip Multiplier from 24 trips to 30, were planned to go into effect July 1, 2023. However, Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard has implemented a promotional fare discount that will keep fares at their current levels until December 31, 2023.