Caltrain Modernization

Overview
Public engagement

Overview

A new Caltrain vehicle headed to San Francisco

Introduction

The Caltrain Modernization program included Positive Train Control and the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project.

Positive Train Control (Completed December 2020): Federally-mandated safety system designed to prevent: train-to-train collisions; over-speed derailments; incursions into established work zones; and movements of trains through switches left in the wrong position.
Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (Opened September 2024): Electrification of the Caltrain corridor between San Jose and San Francisco, upgrade of the signal system, and procurement of electric multiple-unit vehicles.

The Caltrain Modernization program has improved system performance with faster, more reliable service for transit riders. The primary purpose of Caltrain Electrification was to improve Caltrain system performance and curtail long-term environmental impacts by reducing noise, improving regional air quality, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The Caltrain Electrification project replaced diesel trains with electric vehicles, enhancing service and travel times for Peninsula commuters.

An electrified Caltrain corridor enables future investments expanding the Bay Area intercity rail network, including The Portal project (also known as the Downtown Rail Extension), which will extend Caltrain and future California High-Speed Rail to the Salesforce Transit Center in downtown San Francisco.

Project Partners

The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board led the Caltrain Modernization program. Caltrain and the California High-Speed Rail Authority coordinated on the Caltrain Modernization program. Electrification has prepared the corridor to accommodate California High-Speed Rail in the future, under a blended system.

In addition to providing funding, the Transportation Authority provided project management oversight in accordance with the oversight protocol approved by the Transportation Authority Board and the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board. The Transportation Authority participated in the Peninsula Corridor Working Group and the Local Policy Management Group in addition to chairing the Caltrain Modernization Change Management Board.

Timeline

See this Caltrain website for timeline information.

Cost & Funding

The total cost of the Caltrain Modernization program was $2.72 billion, which includes the implementation of Positive Train Control, electrification of the line, upgrade of the signal system, and procurement of electric vehicles. The Transportation Authority contributed $41 million in funding for Caltrain Modernization from San Francisco's half-cent sales tax for transportation and the One Bay Area Grant program.