While Caltrain awaits approval of a federal grant that would fully fund the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project, work to design the next generation of the system’s trains continues. The rail agency announced the launch of a website that will allow the public to provide input on the look and feel of the new trains.
Approval of the federal grant would allow Caltrain to replace the current diesel locomotive fleet with high-performance trains that will increase the system’s overall capacity and will provide faster, more frequent, and more reliable service to communities between San Francisco and San Jose.
“The evolution and modernization of the Caltrain system is long overdue,” said Caltrain Executive Director Jim Hartnett. “We’re looking forward to hearing feedback that will help inform what that evolution looks like, and we are excited to share more information about how much better the Caltrain rider experience will be.”
Users of the website will be able to learn about some of the new electric train features, including electrical outlets at every seat, better location and destination information, increased system-wide capacity and the configuration of passenger and bike cars. The new website will also allow the public to provide feedback on many design options over the next several months. And next year, after feedback on the design is complete, the site will feature a 360-degree virtual tour of the new trains.
