Background 

Caltrain to Hold Public Meetings on Electrification

Caltrain is holding a series of four public meetings to obtain public comments on the Environmental Assessment/Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Caltrain Electrification Program.

Caltrain has examined the technical and environmental impacts of converting its train service from diesel-hauled to electric-powered trains throughout the entire Caltrain corridor, which extends from San Francisco to Gilroy. Caltrain is planning to electrify the line using an overhead catenary system. Electrification will allow Caltrain to increase the amount of service it operates while decreasing engine noise and environmental pollution.

The recently released environmental document presents these results for public review and comment. For convenience, meetings will be held in four locations, as follows:
San Francisco
Thursday, April 22
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
600 Townsend, San Francisco
Three blocks from the Caltrain station

Northern Santa Clara County
Saturday, April 24
10 a.m. - Noon
Sunnyvale Senior Community Center
550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale

Southern Santa Clara County
Wednesday, April 28
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Morgan Hill Community Center
17000 Monterey Rd., Morgan Hill

San Mateo County
Saturday, May 1
10 a.m. - noon
Caltrain Headquarters
1250 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos
SamTrans Routes 390, 391, KX

A complete version of the environmental document, as well as an executive summary, is available at local libraries.

Members of the public can comment on the report by attending one of the meetings. Written and e-mailed comments also will be taken through May 25 at or by writing Caltrain Electrification, 1250 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos, CA, 94070.

For additional information about the Caltrain Electrification Program, call (650) 508-6368.