Caltrain's New Electric Trains Debut in Peninsula of SF Bay Area

Caltrain debuts their new electric trains that will replace the present diesel trains.Photo byphoto by Caltrain via www.globalrailwayreview.com website

Caltrian has modernized their trains, and they are turning heads in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Caltrain is in its 160^th year of running through the Peninsula, and it continues to be the oldest operating rail service west of the Mississippi. They have been innovative in the past, and now they've upped their game to modernize their system.

On August 10, the railway system debuted their new electric fleet, which will replace their present one that runs off of diesel. The electrical trains will be quieter, faster, and powered by overhead electrical wires. The times for the trips will be 20 minutes faster, according to experts.

The project cost $2.5 billion, and they now have 37 electric trains in their fleet. They have introduced two trains and will slowly introduce new trains every week until they are all active beginning September 27.

The project began in 2017 after attempts by the Republican-led House of Representatives to stop funding multiple times. The hopes are that in the near future, high-speed rail projects will begin in parts of the state with the dream of having a high-speed rail system that connects Southern California and Northern California.

Governor Gavin Newsom has been a strong proponent of high-speed trains and has gained the support of President Biden through their opposition. Phase 2 aims to expand the system from north to Sacramento and south to San Diego.

To encourage more young people to use the train system,

On September 1, youth riders will pay $1 for a one-way ticket and $2 for an all-zone pass. The goal is to make it easier for teens and younger kids to ride the trains.

Starting Sept. 1, youth can hop on Caltrain for just $1 one-way or $2 for an all-zone day pass after the Caltrain Board of Directors approved the new fare structure to make travel more affordable for riders 18 and younger. A fare reduction last year ended up increasing youth ridership by 43% during the promotion.