New electric Caltrain schedule starts Sept. 21. Info at Caltrain.com/go.
Quotes for Launch Weekend
“Safe, affordable and accessible public transit is key to San Francisco’s economic success and to saving the planet from the climate crisis,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. “Caltrain electrification means shorter commutes, cleaner air and good-paying jobs in the Bay Area and beyond. It was my great pleasure to join so many leaders for the first ride on Caltrain’s new electric fleet.”
“High-speed rail linked to an electrified Caltrain will not just get Californians where they’re going faster, it’s connecting communities and driving economic growth,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “The completed Caltrain project is an integral part of high-speed rail and the story California is telling about clean transportation. And Californians are already seeing the results for themselves as we electrify Caltrain, finish structures, lay track, design and build stations, and buy trains. We’re making rail real in California.”
“The electrification of our railroad has been a goal for decades, and it has taken a tremendous effort to make it happen,” said Caltrain Board Chair Dev Davis. “I am delighted for the public to finally see the future of Caltrain for themselves, and I invite everyone to get on board and enjoy the next generation of public transit.”
“Today marks a historic milestone with the unveiling of California’s first electrified commuter rail system,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. “Caltrain’s Peninsula Corridor Electrification project will not only reduce emissions and air pollution in neighboring communities, but it will also deliver more reliable transportation for commuters in the Bay Area. I will continue working to bring more resources to modernize our transportation infrastructure to grow our economy and improve travel across the state.”
“Today is the day we’ve dreamed about and worked so hard to make a reality ….. a 21st century electrified Caltrain that will travel faster, cleaner and quieter for the people of our region,” said Congressmember Anna Eshoo. “I’m so proud to have envisioned the plan and secured over a billion dollars. Now it’s all aboard!”
“Congratulations to everyone who played a role in making the dream of Caltrain electrification a reality,” said Congressmember Kevin Mullin. “This project was successful due to the dedicated and persistent effort of transit advocates, staff and elected officials throughout the Peninsula. This new state-of-the-art passenger rail service raises the bar for sustainable transportation in California and the nation. The future of our public transit system is now, and San Mateo County should be proud to be leading the way.”
"As we face the all-too-real effects of climate change, it is more important than ever to reduce carbon emissions as we keep our communities connected. The Caltrain Electrification project will help sustainably modernize our rail system, providing travelers with newer and faster transit options between San Jose and San Francisco. I am excited to see the new electric trains on the tracks," said Congressmember Zoe Lofgren.
“Caltrain connects our Bay Area communities and is an integral part of the daily lives of my constituents in South San Jose,” said Congressmember Jimmy Panetta. “The federal government’s significant investment in modernizing our nation’s infrastructure is taking an important step forward with the phase-in of Caltrain’s new all-electric fleet. I look forward to seeing Caltrain deploy cleaner, quieter, and more efficient trains as we work together to both reduce commute times and our overall carbon output.”
“The Caltrain Electrification Project will reduce emissions, make our air cleaner, reduce traffic, and provide faster and more reliable service for our communities. I look forward to seeing the trains begin service this fall. I want to thank Caltrain and our leaders at the federal and local level for their commitment to improving public transportation in the Bay Area while tackling the climate crisis,” said Congressmember Ro Khanna.
“The future of California’s rail systems will be powered by clean, renewable energy, and as the Biden-Harris Administration makes the biggest investment in public transit in U.S. history, we were proud to help fund the transformative Caltrain electrification project,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Converting the 51-mile-long rail system from diesel to electric will not only improve service for riders and air quality all along the route, it will also set a standard for other rail systems to follow as we work to reduce carbon pollution across the country.”
“Today marks the beginning of a cleaner, greener, and more connected Bay Area, led by an electrified Caltrain that will improve our air quality and combat climate change, providing real benefits to everyone who calls this region home,” said State Senator Josh Becker. “Congratulations to Caltrain for this momentous achievement.”
"I am thrilled we are in San José and along the entire corridor today for the official launch of fully electrified Caltrain service," said Assemblymember Ash Kalra. "Having been involved in this project from its early stages as a city councilmember, I recognized we were paving the way to a more sustainable future. I am so proud to see Caltrain electrification become a reality."
“During my years as Assembly Budget Chair, I helped prioritize California’s investments. When these visions become reality, I always marvel at the impact they have on people’s lives. Today is no different. By leveraging state funds with federal dollars, we bring Caltrain into the modern transportation era that benefits the environment and commuters. The electrification of this transit system is truly transformational for the region,” said Assemblymember Phil Ting.
“Caltrain is what powers our local economy delivering energy and accessibility to our towns and businesses,” said Assemblymember Diane Papan. “An electrified Caltrain will provide a new charge, a new spark for an incandescent future.”
“Today marks a momentous milestone for an electrified rail service that will serve our region for decades to come,” said Assemblymember Marc Berman. “The quieter, cleaner, and faster trains will advance quality of life on the Peninsula. As we approach the light at the end of the tunnel, I congratulate Caltrain for their decades of hard work to get to today, and invite everyone who lives and works along the Peninsula to come out and see the future of Caltrain for themselves.”
“Caltrain’s inaugural electric train ride is a major milestone for the Bay Area’s transit system,” said Assemblymember Alex Lee. “The Electrification Project brings faster, greener and more reliable train service for residents of my district, modernizing Caltrain’s fleet from diesel to electric. The electric fleet will benefit Californians for generations to come, advancing the state’s climate goals through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Congratulations to Caltrain for this big achievement.”
“Caltrain’s new electric trains have so many benefits—they are better for the environment, quieter, and faster,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “This is an important and necessary step to bringing Caltrain to the Portal in the heart of Downtown San Francisco. I am thrilled that passengers from San Francisco all the way down the Peninsula to Gilroy will now be able to enjoy these impressive new trains. ”
“If we’re going to meet our climate goals and maintain our economic competitiveness, we need sustainable transportation options with greater capacity and convenience— and Caltrain is showing the nation how it’s done,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “Silicon Valley’s commuters will get a reminder each day that America can still achieve great things — greener, faster, and more frequent transit that will serve generations to come.”
“San Mateo County is about to enjoy world class train service like it’s never seen before,” said San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Warren Slocum. “The new trains are cleaner, quieter, and faster than ever before, and invite everyone to get on board and experience the future of public transit for yourself.”
“The fully electrified Caltrain service is going to put more trains on the rails which will put a substantial dent in the traffic congestion plaguing the Bay Area. The environment also wins with electrified Caltrain service,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez.
“The positive environmental impact of this achievement will reach beyond those who ride the electric train to and from Santa Clara County,” said Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Supervisor Susan Ellenberg. “This is a watershed moment I believe will inspire greater use of our public transit system, better connect our communities and stimulate further innovation and environmentally responsible transit."
"Congratulations to everyone who helped deliver this transformational project,” said Rafael Mandelman, Chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “The Transportation Authority is proud to have helped fund over $40M in sales tax and other funds for the Caltrain Modernization Program which will enable faster service to more communities along the corridor, while helping San Francisco and the Bay Area reach critical emissions reduction and economic recovery goals.”
“SamTrans is a committed partner to Caltrain, serving stations throughout San Mateo County in order to help our riders get where they need to go,” said SamTrans Board Chair Marina Fraser. “We congratulate Caltrain for this monumental achievement in public transportation as we work towards our own goal of a zero emissions fleet.”
“The electrification of Caltrain has always been a team effort,” said SAMCEDA President & CEO Rosanne Foust. “To imagine it, to fund it, to build it. And now, to celebrate it, and the exciting future of clean, fast, essential public transit.”
“This is a thrilling milestone that Caltrain riders and transit supporters have anticipated for years,” said Project Director and Co-Founder of Friends of Caltrain Adina Levin. “So many people will enjoy faster, more frequent service to get to jobs, school, ballgames and fun! This helps Caltrain evolve to be a world-class service, part of a well-connected transit network serving a diversity of riders and trips.
"The new electric trains symbolize the dedication and expertise of the workers who built this critical infrastructure project,” said Santa Clara & San Benito Counties Building & Construction Trades Council Executive Director David Bini. “I am proud of the efforts made by so many to modernize this great railroad, and all of us are better off thanks to their hard work and professionalism."
“With the landmark completion of this magnificent project, we now have a clean, world-class commuter rail system serving the world’s greatest tech and innovation corridor,” said Jim Wunderman, President and CEO of the Bay Area Council. “Starting in 2014 when we first called on this important project to be undertaken, the Bay Area Council has been proud to help lead the charge in securing the funding and approvals needed to electrify and modernize Caltrain. This day wouldn’t be possible without the stalwart leadership of Rep. Anna Eshoo and so many other state, local and regional partners, including the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and SPUR, who have worked tirelessly to succeed in making this happen despite many difficult challenges and obstacles. This is a triumph for our region.”
“160 years ago, rail brought the communities of San Mateo County together, with downtowns springing up alongside the tracks as the economy grew by leaps and bounds," said Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Amy Buckmaster. "Today, electric trains are running along the same rail corridor, bringing growth and opportunity to San Mateo County and beyond.”
“Electrifying Caltrain commuter rail service couldn’t happen at a better time,” said California Transportation Commission Chair Carl Guardino. “It’s faster, cleaner, quieter and — absolutely cooler.”
“Caltrain starting electric passenger service is a leap forward in modernizing California’s rail system, placing our state in the forefront of the country’s rail revolution,” said California High-Speed Rail Authority Chief Executive Officer Brian Kelly. “It lays down critical high-speed rail infrastructure in the Bay Area. As a funding partner, the Authority is thrilled to continue its work in connecting Silicon Valley to the Central Valley and open economic opportunities throughout the state.”