Caltrain, the seventh-largest commuter rail agency in the nation, is undergoing a major transformation by electrifying the railroad to provide cleaner, quieter, and more efficient service. In 2018, Caltrain received a grant from California Climate Investments through the Transit and Intercity Capital Rail Program (TIRCP), allowing the agency to expand the new electric train fleet from 16 six‑car trainsets to 19 seven‑car trainsets. This greatly expands both the capacity and the potential frequency of the soon‑to‑be‑electrified rail service. Considering that Caltrain’s analysis of travel patterns, demographic growth and economic expansion in the region expects ridership demand to increase by 300 percent over the next 20 years, this funding could not have come at a better time.
In addition to the funds for additional train cars, this grant is helping fund passenger Wi‑Fi service onboard the system’s new electric fleet, an amenity that was a major concern for many riders. Additionally, some of those funds were put towards enhanced bicycle facilities at Caltrain stations, including e‑lockers and bike rental services. This will help Caltrain maintain its status as having the highest number of bike‑riding passengers in the country.
This funding has allowed Caltrain to fully embrace the benefits of the electrification of its system, and its tens of thousands of riders will benefit from a cleaner mode of transit. This purchase helps to achieve numerous objectives for the agency, including reducing diesel emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise.
To take a virtual tour of these trains, visit www.calmod.org.