Caltrain is embarking on exciting electrification and rolling stock replacement programmes, which will enhance commuter services in the Bay Area. But as Paul Ash reports from California, it has been far from plain sailing to reach this stage.
CALIFORNIA Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has released a research report that details the impact freight and passenger rail operations have on the Californian economy.
AFTER months of uncertainty, the United States Federal Transit Administration (FTA) finally confirmed on May 22 that it will approve a $US 647m Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) for the electrification of Caltrain’s 83.7km line from San Francisco to San Jose.
CALTRAIN has warned that the viability of its project to electrify the 83.7km San Jose - San Francisco line may be in jeopardy after newly-appointed United States Transportation Secretary Mrs Elaine Chao ordered the Federal Transit Administration to defer federal funding for the project.
CALTRAIN, which operates the San Francisco - San Jose commuter rail line in California, has awarded contracts to Stadler Rail for new trains and Balfour Beatty to electrify the 83.7km line.
