Caltrain Kicks Off "Baby Boom" - Introduces New Service

WHAT:

Caltrain is having a "Baby Boom." Officials will introduce a revamped schedule at a kick-off event that celebrates the highest number of trains in the history of the 142-year-old rail line.

Starting Monday, Aug. 1, the number of popular Baby Bullet express trains will increase from 12 to 22. And, the Bullets will serve five additional Caltrain stations: San Mateo, Redwood City, Menlo Park, Sunnyvale and Tamien (San Jose).

The new schedule will bring the number of weekday trains to an all-time high of 96.

In order provide more of the popular express service during commute hours, local trains will become hybrids, making limited stops from San Francisco or San Jose to Redwood City. In Redwood City, riders will be able to make a timed-transfer to a local train.

WHEN:

The kickoff event begins at 8:10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 1.

WHERE:

San Francisco Caltrain Station, at 4th and King streets.

WHO: Speakers will include:
Jackie Speier, California State Senator, District 8
Mike Nevin, Caltrain board chairman

WHY:

Earlier this year, Caltrain faced a projected $13.6 million shortfall for the fiscal year which began July 1. Instead of slashing service, Caltrain charted a bold course, radically changing its commute-service pattern, offering more of the faster trips that have proven so successful. It is hoped that the new service will attract new riders, thereby generating revenue to close the budget gap. To keep costs down, this major service improvement is being done using the same number of crews and equipment.

7/28/05