On Monday, July 25, Caltrain will be replacing some five-car Gallery train sets with six-car Bombardier train sets.
Instead of five-car Gallery cars carrying passengers on train numbers 134, 155, 217, and 268, those loads are now being taken by six-car Bombardier trains. Train numbers 155 and 217 travel in the northbound direction, with 217 originating in Gilroy. Train numbers 134 and 268 travel in the southbound direction, with 268 providing service to Gilroy.
The train-swap will allow Caltrain to take more passengers on those trips, as carrying capacity will increase with the extra Bombardier car. That is particularly important for trips traveling to and from Gilroy, as those trains regularly experience overcrowded conditions.
The number of bikes will stay about the same, as the Bombardier trains will feature three bike cars, capable of carrying 72 two-wheelers. The Gallery alignment allowed Caltrain to carry 80 bikes.
Most importantly, the adjustment will provide Caltrain’s maintenance crews with more time to service and repair the Gallery train cars, which are older than the Bombardier trains. By taking those train cars out of the regular rotation, Caltrain can take the necessary mechanical measures to ensure that those Gallery cars remain reliable and safe for the riding public.
The Gallery cars are the “more-traditional” trains on the Caltrain system, featuring two passenger levels and a box design. The Bombardier trains have a sleeker look to them, and contain three different passenger seating levels. The Bombardier trains also feature table seating on the top level.
