Caltrain Board of Directors approved the purchase from Stadler additional electric train cars, expanding its electric fleet from 16 six-car trainsets to 19 seven-car trainsets.
Caltrain’s contract option with Stadler allows for additional EMUs to be purchased at the original price totaling USD 174.6 million, provided the purchase is made by the end of 2018.
The interior configuration of the trains will be informed by a public process in 2019. That discussion will include an assessment of design alternatives to address bike security concerns and an exploration of policy considerations related to onboard and wayside bicycle storage, and how to balance the needs of bicyclists against the need for capacity improvements for all riders.
California State Transportation Agency announced a USD 164.5 million investment to support Caltrain service improvements in April of this year. In addition to the funds for additional EMUs, the grant provides for the addition of Wi-Fi service onboard the system’s new electric fleet and enhanced bicycle facilities at Caltrain stations. Caltrain provided USD 39.1 million in matching funds for the EMUs that came from the agency’s FY 2021 capital budget, with the matching funds for the bike parking component coming from FY 2018 State Rail Assistance funding.
In 2016, Caltrain and Stadler signed a USD 551 million contract for the supply of 6 six-car Kiss double-decker electric multiple-unit trains. The contract has an option for an additional 96 cars. The purchase of electric railcars is one of Caltrain’s most important projects and would replace 75% of the diesel vehicle fleet operating along the San Francisco – San Jose line.
The EMUs purchase is part of the USD 1.9 billion Caltrain’s project envisaging the electrification of the rail corridor between San Francisco and San Jose and the deploy of electric trains. Balfour Beatty has been awarded a USD 697 million contract to undertake electrification of the 83.6 km San Francisco – San Jose corridor. The electrification project is expected to be completed in 2021.
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