Caltrain has been awarded $38.8 million in federal funds through the American Rescue Plan (ARPA). These funds will be used to keep Caltrain operations running to serve workers, students and families while the agency continues to work towards Electrification.
“COVID-19 has posed a serious challenge to public transit, especially commuter railroads. We are incredibly grateful to President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg and our entire federal delegation led by Speaker Pelosi for continuing to support public transit.” said Caltrain Board of Directors Chair Steve Heminger. “This federal support ensures that, as the Bay Area continues to reopen and riders return to the system, Caltrain will be ready to get them where they need to go.”
Caltrain has faced unprecedented financial challenges as a result of the pandemic. Caltrain losses in fare revenue were significant as ridership decreased to 5% in the early days of the pandemic and remains at approximately 20% of previous levels. The loss in fare revenue is especially impactful to Caltrain because pre-pandemic, over 70% of the operating funds came from fares.
Funding provided by the Federal Government through ARPA, as well as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act has allowed Caltrain to maintain service throughout the pandemic. The funding received will help to balance projected deficits through FY2023.
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About Caltrain: Owned and operated by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, Caltrain provides commuter rail service from San Francisco to San Jose, with commute service to Gilroy. While the Joint Powers Board assumed operating responsibilities for the service in 1992, the railroad celebrated 150 years of continuous passenger service in 2014. Planning for the next 150 years of Peninsula rail service, Caltrain is on pace to electrify the corridor, reduce diesel emissions by 97 percent by 2040 and add more service to more stations.
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