The system made the switch to faster, more modern all-electric trains in September.
Northern California’s Caltrain saw a 54 percent increase in ridership year-over-year in October 2024, reports Kate Talerico for Mass Transit. The agency recently switched to all-electric trains.
“Total ridership on the commuter rail line between San Francisco and the South Bay increased 17% between August — the last month of primarily diesel service — and October, the first month of all-electric. Weekend ridership — with service every 30 minutes rather than every hour — grew by 38%.” Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) also saw an increase in ridership.
According to Talerico, “Caltrain’s new trains are not only more environmentally friendly than their diesel forerunners, they’re also faster. Whereas a diesel train running express could get commuters between San Jose and San Francisco in an hour and five minutes with stops at seven stations, the new trains stop at 11 stations and make the journey in just 59 minutes.”
The new trains also feature on-board Wi-Fi, power outlets, and digital displays.
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