The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Ridership on Northern California’s Caltrain system was up by 41 percent from the prior year in December 2024, according to a press release from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. Additionally, Caltrain says the system is generating and sending even more energy than expected back to the electric grid.
Caltrain launched its fully electrified (minus a segment south to Gilroy) rail system in September 2024. “Caltrain’s electrification was made possible by successful state and local partnerships, combining $714 million from the High-Speed Rail Authority with $1.7 billion from local, federal, and other state sources, including $387 million from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP).”
The rise in ridership is attributed in part to the increased reliability of the electric trains, according to a Mercury News article. Caltrain spokesperson Dan Lieberman told the Mercury News, “It’s faster than ever before, running more service than ever before, and there’s more frequency, so there are fewer wait times.”
FULL STORY: Ridership for this critical train line is surging thanks to California’s investments in rail
Caltrain Ridership Up 54 Percent Over October 2023
The system made the switch to faster, more modern all-electric trains in September.
Which US Rail Agencies Are Buying Zero-Emissions Trains?
U.S. rail agencies are slowly making the shift to zero-emissions trains, which can travel longer distances without refueling and reduce air pollution.
South Florida Commuter Rail Tops Pre-Pandemic Ridership
The Tri-Rail service connects Miami to Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl
The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.
Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy
A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.
Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing
The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.
Nashville Doesn’t Renew Bike Share Contract, Citing Lost Federal Funding
The city’s bike share system, operated by BCycle, could stop operating if the city doesn’t find a new source of funding.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions