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Caltrain has reached an important milestone in its Electrification Project by successfully completing integrated testing between San Francisco and San Jose. This past weekend, tests were conducted on the electric trains, overhead contact system, grounding, bonding, and existing infrastructure, specifically in the final segment from San Francisco to Millbrae.
The success of this weekend’s testing allows Caltrain to stay on track for the full rollout of electrified passenger service in fall 2024. Each of the 23 electric trainsets must still complete 1,000 miles of testing before passenger service can begin.
“Completion of the integrated testing between San Francisco and Millbrae means that the full corridor is ready for us to enter the final phase of testing the new electric trains,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard. “With each successful test, we draw closer to providing faster, more frequent, and sustainable service in September 2024.”
Caltrain will continue to perform related work on the weekend of April 20-21 that will require the suspension of morning and late-night train service between San Francisco and Mountain View. Caltrain encourages riders, including Giants fans heading to the home games at Oracle Park, to seek alternative transit options. Weekday service will not be affected.
Electric trains are quieter than Caltrain’s current diesel fleet, so the public is advised to pay close attention when crossing the tracks and to always wait for the gate to fully rise before crossing.
Caltrain’s historic Electrification Project is the first undertaking in North America in a generation in which diesel trains and their infrastructure components are transitioned to an electrified system. Electrification means faster and more frequent service, including doubling the frequency on weekends. The passenger experience will be greatly improved as well with the new trains featuring Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, onboard displays with digital trip information, increased storage capacities.
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About Caltrain: Owned and operated by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, Caltrain provides rail service from San Francisco to San Jose, with commute service to Gilroy. Serving the region since 1863, Caltrain is the oldest continually operating rail system west of the Mississippi. Looking to the future, Caltrain is set to electrify the corridor by 2024, which will reduce diesel emissions and add more service to more stations while advancing the agency’s equity goals.
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