Caltrain has dropped some exciting on their transformation to electric operated commuter trains. In preparation for the new electrified trains from Stadler Caltrain has announced a new service schedule taking effect in 2024. As part of the new service plan, there will be more frequent weekend service with trains running every half hour as proposed to the current hourly service.
Faster Service
On the Caltrain route from San Francisco to Gilroy, there will be four trains per hour running in each direction, including an express train running between San Jose and San Francisco in under an hour. While not as fast as the Acela Express local service times will be reduced down to 75 minutes from the current 75 minute journey. Travel time from Southern Santa Clara County (Gilroy/Morgan Hill) to San Francisco will be cut by nearly 30 minutes.
Improved Environmentally Friendly Electric Trains
Not only will service times be reduced, so will diesel engine emissions. According to Caltrain Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by 250,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of taking 55,000 cars off the road each year. The new train cars will offer modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and power outlets at each seat. Vital trip information will be displayed in each train car. The new faster service will give commuters a much more enjoyable experience in the not so distant future.
