It’s electric or bust for Caltrain, according to recently released budget projections by the transit agency.
A modern, electric-powered railroad will provide quicker, more frequent service, which will attract more riders and generate more revenue, according to a press release written by spokeswoman Christine Dunn. Revenue is projected to increase 49 percent by 2019, while operating costs remain flat. The commuter railroad, which currently uses diesel-powered trains, is facing budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year.
The current deficit, the result of reduced contributions from Caltrain’s partners — San Francisco, the San Mateo County Transit District and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority — and a decline in ridership, could mean the elimination of mid-day, night and weekend service. Increasing service, the strategy that was so successful in 2005, is no longer an option. The diesel system is operating at maximum capacity and more trains cannot be added during peak commute hours, according to Dunn.
Instead, Caltrain has planned a series of capital improvements that will transform the railroad into a modern, electric-powered system. These improvements will reduce operating costs while allowing Caltrain to operate more trains and attract more riders. With a new, modern electrified system, by 2019, the additional subsidy needed to balance the budget would be 45 percent less than today, according to Dunn.
To electrify the corridor, improve its signal systems and purchase new rolling stock, Caltrain will need to secure over $1.5 billion. In 2008, California voters approved funding for a statewide high-speed rail system that includes service along the Caltrain corridor between San Francisco and San Jose. Recognizing this as an opportunity to preserve and enhance commuter rail service on the Peninsula, Caltrain’s Board of Directors entered into an agreement with the California High-Speed Rail Authority that makes the electrification and modernization of Caltrain a joint project with the implementation of high-speed rail, according to Dunn.
Through this agreement, Caltrain is working with high-speed rail to fund improvements essential to its long-term survival, according to Dunn.
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO
personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who
make comments. Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. Don't threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Anyone violating these rules will be issued a
warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be
revoked.
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.