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Electric trains are coming to the Peninsula this year, with local businesses eager to get on board Caltrain’s new high-performance fleet that will offer faster, safer and more reliable services, while also championing clean energy.
Caltrain’s electrification project spans the Peninsula corridor, from San Jose to San Francisco, and is touted as the state’s first electrified commuter rail system. Caltrain held an invite-only tour on Friday, Feb. 2, to give future riders a sneak peek of the new fleet set to debut this fall.
Initially proposed in the 1990s, the $2.44 billion electrification project broke ground in 2017. Since then, major work has been conducted along the 51-mile corridor, with some of the most visible upgrades occurring above the tracks.
Caltrain installed 2.5 million feet of overhead wire, as part of a catenary system, that will supply electricity to 19 seven-car trainsets, replacing 75% of Caltrain’s existing diesel fleet.
“Children that are growing up on the Peninsula now will never see a diesel train again after September 2024,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard, who spoke to a crowd of local officials and business representatives at San Jose’s Diridon Station at the Friday event.
The crowd convened at the station to get a first-hand view of an electric train that will be running as part of Caltrain’s regular service, starting in September. The ride will be faster than before, with trips between San Jose and San Francisco taking less than 60 minutes. The top speed, however, will remain the same at 79 mph.
The big difference will be improved acceleration and deacceleration, according to Caltrain, making it possible to add more stops to the service schedule without needing to add more trains to the tracks.
For Nancy and Kobad Bugwadia, who own a math learning center in Mountain View, the faster and more frequent service was especially welcome news, as it meant they could tap into a wider pool of employees. Right now, they have one employee who commutes from San Francisco. “Anything that helps speed up the commute for people or makes it easier for them is great,” said Nancy Bugwadia.
But not just about convenience, the Bugwadias also noted the environmental benefits of the electrified service.
The trains produce zero greenhouse gas emissions, and further reduce emissions by relieving traffic congestion. The sound of the engines is about 20 decibels lower than diesel-powered trains, reducing noise pollution too, according to Brent Tietjen, Caltrain’s External Affairs Manager.
The transit agency also touted the comfort and convenience inside the trains as a highlight during the tour. The trains can accommodate between 800 to 1,000 passengers and include dedicated bike cars, Tietjen said.
Wi-Fi will be available on the trains, and each seat is equipped with electric outlets. Other amenities include onboard digital displays, more storage space and accessible bathrooms that have baby-changing stations.
Jessica Burton, who attended the Caltrain tour as part of a LinkedIn delegate, said she was excited about the upgrades and intended to promote the new train service to company employees.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan drew attention to the importance of the business community in promoting Caltrain’s electrified fleet, while also describing its wider significance.
“It’s a visionary, generational investment that will help us achieve our climate goals, will help people get to their jobs (and) will make life more convenient and productive for our workforce. This is the commuter rail for Silicon Valley,” he said.
Caltrain eventually plans to extend its electrified service area further south, from San Jose to Gilroy. Until then, it will pilot a dual electric and battery-equipped train to help facilitate the changeover from diesel-powered engines, Tietjen said.
““Children that are growing up on the Peninsula now will never see a diesel train again after September 2024,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard,”
Is Union Pacific going to start using electric locomotives? I think they are going to continue using them, so we’ll still see diesel locomotives after 2024.
Also, I don’t think there’s any such thing as “deacceleration”. It’s deceleration.