Caltrain to track with AI

“We are working on developing a standard for Caltrain grade crossings that will be part of the safety strategic plan,” Executive Director Michelle Bouchard said during a board meeting Nov. 7. “It uses AI to better understand car movements, and it provides alerts so we can avoid collisions by either stopping the train or by advising local law enforcement so we can make sure we are avoiding collisions.”

The first phase will roll out to the Broadway Station in Burlingame, which is one of the more dangerous train crossing intersections based on the number of collisions.

The crossing, located next to the Broadway and California Drive intersection, has been noted as particularly hazardous, as two closely situated traffic signals on either side of the tracks on Broadway are in many cases insufficiently timed, causing traffic congestion to build in between the lights, including on a portion of the train track. The intersection has seen about seven train and automobile collisions since August 2021 and has been deemed the worst in the state.

The transit agency has committed to the construction of a grade separation, which would raise the tracks above the road in a design resembling an overpass. But securing funds for the project has proved difficult. It’s likely that completion is closer to 2028, if not longer. The project’s total costs are expected to be more than $300 million.

This kind of AI application is the first of its kind along Caltrain’s corridor, although several months earlier, Ray Mueller, Caltrain board member and San Mateo County supervisor, directed staff to look into ways to use similar technology, albeit as a way to prevent suicides, not necessarily for car collision prevention. The number of Caltrain fatalities has seen slight increases over the last several years, and the majority of them are the result of suicide. There were 10 Caltrain-related deaths in 2020, increasing to 15 in 2023. This year has seen about 13 fatalities as of August. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

The other second pilot will launch at Palo Alto’s Churchill Avenue crossing.

alyse@smdailyjournal.com

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