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.
FULL STORY: CA: Caltrain ridership soars to highest levels since COVID with new electric trains
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Caltrain Introduces Electric Train Fleet
The Bay Area agency will switch to all electric trains by the end of September.
Electric Caltrain Will Earn $1 Million/Year Returning Power to the Grid
The train returns 23% of the power it generates to the state’s grid, powering homes and businesses along its route.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association