Caltrain debuted its cutting-edge electric fleet, hosting a VIP tour where participants boarded the trains for its historic inaugural service. After nearly a decade of construction, these new trains signify a landmark shift towards a faster, more frequent and environmentally friendly public transport network along the San Francisco Peninsula.
The event included a 30-minute round-trip experience, starting in San Francisco with the opportunity to engage with federal, state, local elected officials as well as transpor, business, labor and community leaders. Sunday, August 11, the electric trains will run their first regular service. Additional electric trains will be introduced every week until the launch of the new schedule and full electrified service between San Francisco and San Jose on Saturday, September 21.
Caltrain’s new electric trains
The new high-performance electric trains, made by Stadler, offer a better experience for Caltrain riders while providing faster and more frequent service. Express service will allow commuters to travel between San Francisco and San Jose in under an hour. The new trains will also increase service by 20% because they can accelerate and decelerate much faster than diesel trains.
This provides more robust and flexible access to cities throughout the rail system, with 16 stations seeing trains every 15-20 minutes at peak hours and all stations receiving service every 30 minutes on the weekend compared to hourly service today. Additionally, electrified service will advance equity along the corridor by reducing noise and air pollution while increasing access and service for equity priority communities by 26%.
Electrification will help meet ambitious regional and state climate action goals by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and relieving traffic congestion. By transitioning from diesel to electric trains, carbon dioxide emissions will be cut by 250,000 metric tons annually – equivalent to removing 55,000 cars from the road each year. The Electrification Project not only decreases emissions and noise pollution in priority equity communities, but also provides better access and more robust and flexible service for everyone.
Additionally, the new vehicles offer enhanced amenities, including customer-facing Wi-Fi, new digital onboard displays, power outlets at each forward-facing seat, energy-efficient lighting, an improved climate control system, baby-changing tables in the bathroom, security cameras, and expanded storage under the cantilevered seats. They will also generate less noise than their diesel equivalent, making the trip more enjoyable both for riders and residents that live near Caltrain tracks.
The project has created 33,000 jobs in 36 states, fueling economic growth and innovation within the local communities and nationwide. The collaborative effort to manufacture the electric trains and infrastructure underscores a commitment to sustainability and job creation.
Caltrain is the oldest continuously operated railroad in the West, starting steam train passenger service 160 years ago when Abraham Lincoln served as President. After 70 years of diesel trains, the Caltrain Electrification Project, with substantial federal and State investment, will introduce the new era of electrified service on the corridor.
“The electrification of our railroad has been a goal for decades, and it has taken a tremendous effort to make it happen,” said Caltrain Board Chair Dev Davis. “I am delighted for the public to finally see the future of Caltrain for themselves, and I invite everyone to get on board and enjoy the next generation of public transit.”
“We are thrilled to see these state-of-the-art electric trains enter service for Caltrain,” said Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US Inc. “Since our partnership began in 2017, it has been a pleasure to work with such a forward-thinking organization. Caltrain stands out as a true pioneer in the transit industry, setting a new standard by fully electrifying and modernizing their infrastructure. This makes them a model for transit agencies nationwide. As the vehicle provider, we are honored to contribute to this significant modernization project. We are confident that these new trains will enhance the commuting experience through Silicon Valley by making it more comfortable, convenient, reliable, faster and, most importantly, emission-free. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Caltrain for their trust in us and look forward to continuing our collaboration with this innovative agency.”
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