San Jose Diridon construction Oct. 19 - Dec. Follow posted signs and check monitors for track assignment changes. More info.
The future of Caltrain is taking shape every day through new technology, growing ridership and the people who choose to make transit part of their lives.
This year, Caltrain used Transit Month to celebrate that progress while looking ahead to what’s next. Throughout September, the agency joined riders, employees, community partners and transit advocates along the corridor to celebrate the people and connections that make public transportation an important part of life in the Bay Area.
Caltrain kicked off Transit Month in San Francisco with a rally at City Hall and continued the celebration along the corridor in Millbrae, Burlingame, San Mateo, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Santa Clara and San Jose. The celebration extended throughout the region with Rail Safety Month events in San Jose, community gatherings, educational programs, onboard giveaways and special events.
Local businesses also joined the celebration, with more than 20 businesses along the Caltrain corridor participating in Transit Month. From San Francisco to San Jose, participating cafes, bakeries, restaurants and shops displayed special Caltrain stickers for customers to collect while supplies lasted. The effort highlighted the connection between Caltrain and the local businesses that help make station-area communities vibrant places to live, work and explore.
One of the month’s highlights was a special Caltrain ride with Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, designed to introduce young people to riding transit. More than 100 youth participated, traveling from Burlingame to Menlo Park while enjoying cookies and Caltrain swag along the way.
“This event was a great way to introduce a new generation to Caltrain and show young people that transit can be an easy, fun and sustainable way to explore their community,” said Caltrain Program Manager, External Affairs Brent Tietjen. “Seeing more than 100 youth come out and experience Caltrain together was a great reminder that the future of transit starts with the riders we inspire today.”
At the Menlo Park station, participants could tour the Model Train Association, visit local businesses to hand out Caltrain stickers or take a chaperoned trip back. A Kona Ice truck also welcomed participants at the station, making the event a fun introduction to Caltrain and public transportation.
These moments are about more than celebrating a single month. They reflect the role transit plays in connecting people to jobs, schools, entertainment, family and communities throughout the Bay Area.
That role is evolving as remote and hybrid work continue to reshape travel patterns across the region.
Like transit agencies throughout the Bay Area, Caltrain faces a structural operating deficit and is taking steps to address the challenge. Over the past five years, Caltrain has cut $76 million in costs, pursued new revenue from advertising, property and other assets, and adapted its service to attract new riders.
While ridership and fare revenue continue to grow, they are not enough to close the agency’s funding gap, and additional external funding is needed to maintain current levels of service.
At the same time, Caltrain is building for the future. Electrification is transforming the way the railroad operates, ridership is growing and the agency continues to look for ways to improve the passenger experience. Together, these efforts are shaping what comes next for Caltrain and the people who rely on it.
Caltrain will continue working with regional partners, employees, riders and communities to build a transportation system that meets the needs of a changing Bay Area. Transit Month offered a chance to recognize the progress Caltrain has made while keeping sight of the work still ahead.
Thank you to everyone who participated, supported our events, rode Caltrain and helped make September a celebration of public transportation.
The events may have wrapped up, but the work to connect more people with Caltrain continues.