Caltrain Introduces Electric Train Fleet

The West’s oldest continuously operated railroad, Caltrain, inaugurated a fleet of electric trains along its 51-mile corridor “that represents a landmark shift toward a faster, more frequent and environmentally friendly public transportation network along the San Francisco Peninsula.”

According to an article by Kurt Knutsson, the 160-year-old railroad will be fully electrified by September 21 as the agency introduced new trains on a weekly basis.

For Knutsson, “This is a game-changer. These new electric trains can zip between San Francisco and San Jose in under an hour. Plus, they're increasing service by 20% because they can speed up and slow down faster than their diesel counterparts.” Sixteen of the system’s stations will now see frequencies of 15 to 20 minutes at peak hours.

The new trains include passenger upgrades such as wi-fi, power outlets at seats, and expanded storage. Caltrain says the switch to electric will cut 250,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The project also created 33,000 jobs, will reduce noise and air pollution along its routes, and will increase transit access in underserved communities.