In evaluating the region’s transportation needs and an ever vocal group of bicyclists seeking more space on Caltrain, the transit agency is moving toward setting aside nearly half of its newly purchased rail cars for bikes.
Caltrain plans to spend $15 million on purchasing and refurbishing 16 used rail cars to account for an expected increase in its nearly 1.3 million monthly ridership while moving toward a $1.7 billion system upgrade and electrification.
Bicyclists frequently report being left at the platform after getting bumped from their scheduled trains due to overcrowding during peak hours. While ridership across the board has increased with an estimated 60,000 daily commuters opting for the regional rail service, bicyclists have advocated for being given more consideration in system improvements.
Retrofitting between six and eight of the new rail cars for bicyclists will allow Caltrain to add a third bike car on several Bombardier trains, said Caltrain spokeswoman Jayme Ackemann.
Assuming the Board of Directors approves the proposal in February, the extra bike cars would increase capacity on Bombardier trains from 48 to 72. The increased capacity would bring the Bombardier trains more in line with the newer gallery trains that can carry 80 bicyclists spread between two cars, Ackemann said ...
Read the complete article at http://www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/lnews/2015-01-13/caltrain-to-make-more-bike-room-transit-agency-to-refurbish-new-rail-cars-for-additional-bicyclists/1776425136546.html
