Wire we writing this blog? The greener, electrified future of Caltrain and SF Bay Area transit has arrived and it's guaranteed to 'spark' joy.
NEXT STOP: An Electric Train Celebration
This Saturday, July 29th, you can board one of our new EMUs
at the first Electric Train Tour Event at the San Jose Diridon Station.
Here's what to expect at this Saturday's event:
More Than Just a Tour
At this event you will be among the first to board, explore, and learn about all the amenities of our new, modern electric trains that will enhance your future commute (and our community!). The train will be stationary and the tour will be relatively brief, but luckily you can also look forward to:
Exclusive Caltrain Giveaways
Don't miss out on the chance to take home some coveted collectors items including electric train mini-models, framed Caltrain posters, skateboard decks, tote bags, and more!
Raffles will take place every half hour from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. outside of the station and you must be present to win.
Games, Photo Booth & Activities
Free face painting, cornhole, a print-on-the-spot photo booth and other awesome activities await.
Local Eats
Save room for lunch!
Sample delicious bites from food trucks BunBao, The Waffle Roost, Oaxacan Kitchen, and PopNation.
NOTE: Although the event itself is free, the food trucks are independent vendors and purchases are not covered by the event.
Live Music
Live music, raffle announcements, and good vibes will be provided DJ Dwayne Juice of East Oakland.
Art Demonstration by Eric Rewitzer from 3 Fish Studios
Learn more about how Eric Rewitzer from 3 Fish Studios created the beautiful Caltrain artwork for this event. You’ll have the chance to see live art demonstrations and gain insight into Eric's creative process.
Community Booths
Fellow Electric Trainspotters (A Big Turnout)
We are thrilled by the tremendous response to this upcoming tour (we're pretty amped ourselves). RSVPs hint at a great turnout but survey results indicate large crowds and long wait times, particularly in the first two hours of the event (10am-12pm), so please plan accordingly.
We encourage you to attend between 12pm to 2pm for shorter wait times (and more chances to win exclusive raffle items).
Everyone in line by 1:45pm will get onboard the train.
Can't make it?
There will be two more Electric Train Tours in SF and San Mateo County.
Accessibility, Bike Valet & Parking Information
Welcome Ceremony
To welcome you to this first electric train tour, we’ll have a short program outside the station at 10 a.m. with the following VIP speakers:
Community Booths
- Balfour Beatty
- California High-Speed Rail Authority
- City of San Jose
- MTC/Clipper
- San Jose Sharks
- Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
- South Bay Historical Railroad Society
- Stadler Rail, US
- VTA
Accessibility
There is a wheelchair lift from the station concourse level to the tunnels and platform ramps. Those with disabilities or mobility needs are welcome to tour the train between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. If you are unable to make these times and need assistance boarding the train, please inform an event ambassador upon an arrival. Ambassadors are identifiable by black shirts and lanyards that read "Ambassador".
NOTE: parking will be limited, including ADA parking.
Bicycle Valet
Free bicycle valet parking will be provided by Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition. Bicycle valet will be located on W. San Fernando Street between Cahill and S. Montgomery streets. Please note, no bicycles will be allowed on board the electric trains during the tours.
Parking
As we are expecting large crowds, parking will be extremely limited. Please take transit or active transportation if possible, we are running special additional service trains to get you to the event.
NOTE: W. San Fernando Street between Cahill and S. Montgomery streets will be closed during the event.
Can't make it?
There will be two more Electric Train Tours in SF and San Mateo County.