Parking

The Caltrain parking fee is waived for any person with a disability whose car displays a disabled California license plate or parking placard issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The car does not have to be parked in an accessible space for the fee to be waived.

Fares

Seniors and persons with disabilities who present a Regional Transit Connection Discount Card, Medicare Card or registration for a Department of Motor Vehicles Disabled Placard Identification Card may ride Caltrain at approximately one-half the one-way fare. These individuals also may purchase other discounted tickets.

To request an RTC Discount Card application, call Caltrain at 1.800.660.4287 or (TTY only) 650.508.6448.

Ticket Purchase

All tickets, including One-way, Day Pass, 10-ride and Monthly tickets may be purchased at open staffed stations in San Francisco and San Jose or by using the accessible ticket vending machines. Tickets may be purchased at Caltrain headquarters in San Carlos. Caltrain also has a mail order ticket program. Call for details. Ten-ride tickets also are available via the Internet.

Caltrain operates a Proof-of-Payment system. Tickets must be purchased before boarding the train, or customers are subject to a citation and fine. Ten-ride tickets and complimentary tickets must be validated before boarding the train. Validators are located close to the TVMs. If you are unable to pre-purchase or validate your ticket and you have a valid proof of disability (see Fares), please let the conductor know as soon as you board the train.

How to Board the Train

Customers may use the lift or accessible ramp if they are in a wheelchair, have a mobility device or are unable to use the stairs. For instructions on using the lift, please see Using a Wheelchair on Caltrain.

If you will need help boarding, or finding a seat, please wait on the blue boarding assistance square painted on the ground (at the north end of the platform) or sit on the boarding assistance bench in the same area. Conductors look for passengers in this area and will offer assistance.

Exception: If you are waiting for trains 305, 313, 319, 135, 365, 369, 285, 102, 314, 368, 332, 382 and 284 at the Millbrae, Hillsdale, Palo Alto, Mountain View, or San Jose Diridon stations, please wait on the accessible ramp. (On occasion, equipment may change. In that case, the conductor will instruct you.

On the Train

Every train car has priority seats for seniors and persons with disabilities. The seats are marked with a sign. If all of these seats are taken, ask a conductor for assistance.

How to Get Off the Train

All accessible cars have pressure-sensitive doors, an audible tone and light to indicate doors opening and closing. All cars have an automated voice warning that announces, “Caution: doors are about to close.”

Additional Help

Most stations have a public address system to announce emergencies and train delays. Many stations also have electronic message boards. On the train, stops are announced on a public address system.

Travel Training

Caltrain offers free travel training to teach people with disabilities how to ride the train. Participants learn where to wait for the train; how to purchase and validate tickets; how to make connections and how to get help if lost or having trouble on the trip.

For more information about travel training, call 650.508.6202 or (TTY 650.508.6448).

Talking Signs

Caltrain has installed an audible sign system at the San Francisco and San Jose Diridon stations to help customers with visual impairments navigate independently.

For more information, call 650.508.6202.