Caltrain ridership has more than doubled over the last 20 years, with nearly 65,000 passengers per day on average in 2018. Under the 2040 Service Vision, Caltrain will operate eight trains per hour during peak periods, with all-day ‘Baby Bullet’ express services running at 15 minute intervals, and increased off-peak and weekend services. This compares with five trains per hour during peak hours and an hourly off-peak stopping service today.
This increased frequency, paired with longer trains, will expand capacity to nearly 180,000 passengers per day.
The plan envisions an end-to-end, electrified service from Gilroy to San Francisco all day in both directions, improving connections for communities along the line.
As well as improving existing services, the plan also outlines how Caltrain will prepare to integrate into a regional rail network over the next 20 years, including the expected Downtown Extension to the Salesforce Transit Center in central San Francisco, a potential renewed rail corridor across the Dumbarton Bridge, and enhancements at Diridon Station in San Jose.
The plan also includes preparations for a future shared corridor with high-speed rail, and considers opportunities presented by a second Transbay crossing, expanded service to the Monterey Peninsula and investments in Altamont Corridor Express and Capital Corridor services.
Caltrain says the plan will allow it to prepare to meet a wide range of eventualities - including substantial ridership growth. It also presents a detailed assessment of the company’s organisational structure and lays out options for how the operator can evolve to meet future demands.
While 70% of costs are recovered through fares, Caltrain has also reiterated the need for a dedicated funding source to help provide the resources required to sustain and grow operations.
In 2017, Caltrain secured full funding to complete the electrification of the San Francisco - San Jose line, which is due to be completed by 2022, providing the foundation for implementation of the 2040 Service Vision.
Caltrain says electrification will avert four million road vehicle trips each year, resulting in an overall CO2 reduction of nearly 2 million tonnes.
The draft Service Vision is a collaborative effort led by Caltrain with funding and participation from various organisations.
The Caltrain board of directors will next discuss the business plan and long-range service vision at their meeting on August 1. Once the board adopts a long-range service vision, as early as October 2019, staff will complete the Business Plan by early 2020.
“This is a vision that ensures Caltrain can continue to be what it has been for so many years: an indispensable resource for the region and our riders,” says Caltrain CEO, Mr Jim Hartnett. “Our long-range vision will improve frequency, sustainability and connectivity, while ensuring that Caltrain continues to add value to communities at every stop along the way.”
