Meetings set on future of Caltrain Meetings set on future of Caltrain (September 29, 2004)

Caltrain is discussing future plans for Peninsula rail service at three public meetings this week, including a local meeting Thursday, September 30, at 6:30 p.m. at 1250 San Carlos Ave. in San Carlos.

The Short-Range Transit Plan is designed to guide expenditures over the next 20 years, and help coordinate with regional and federal programs.

Included in Caltrain's future plans are expanding service -- up to 138 daily train trips -- through a series of projects that includes: electrification; additional service across the Dumbarton railroad bridge; total grade separation with four tracks; and extending service to Salinas and Monterey.

Caltrain also is looking at potential future sources of money for its ambitious program. Among the possibilities are reauthorization of the Measure A sales tax on the November ballot in San Mateo County; future bonds to support high-speed rail from Southern California; and other regional, state, and federal funds.

The public can comment at the public meeting or until 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 7, by calling 1-800-660-4287. Written comments may be submitted to Caltrain SRTP, Caltrain, P.O. Box 3006, San Carlos, CA 94070-1306.

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