Despite 47% growth in ridership, Caltrain could close a third of its stations

Caltrain is the latest Bay Area transit agency to announce plans for drastic service cuts, reports Noe Padilla for USA Today. Caltrain faces an annual shortfall of roughly $75 million starting in 2027 if voters don't approve a regional sales tax going on the ballot this November.

"Without a stable, long-term funding solution, we will be forced to make difficult decisions that would significantly reduce service and impact the communities that rely on Caltrain every day," said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard in a statement.

The Caltrain board was presented with multiple options for cuts, including eliminating all weekend service, reducing train frequency to one hour, ending service by 9 p.m., and, as a last resort, closing around one-third of its 31 stations. "The agency is also attempting to raise funds through other sources that aren't operating costs, such as advertising and naming rights, and by monetizing its real estate."

The announcement comes despite a strong surge in ridership, particularly since Caltrain introduced new, more reliable electric trains.