Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. Expect mist and reduced visibilities at times. High 64F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph..
Mainly cloudy. Expect mist and reduced visibilities at times. Low 51F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Updated: October 30, 2025 @ 7:35 am
Following numerous complaints and concerns about train horn noise in San Mateo since the launch of Caltrain electrification in the summer, representatives from the transit agency will host a community meeting at City Hall Thursday night.
The intent of the meeting is to highlight efforts to reduce train horn noise while adhering to federal and safety requirements and get detailed answers to questions.
Since electrification, many residents and local officials, including San Mateo Mayor Rob Newsom, have complained to Caltrain about what they say is a constant barrage of horn noise, even in places that don’t require it, such as between the Hayward Park and Hillsdale stations. Hillsdale is grade separated, meaning there is no crossing for vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists.
The location and frequency of train horn noise is not the only issue residents have expressed frustration over since electrification. In the first several weeks of the new cars’ launch, horn noise was set to a higher decibel level. Caltrain initially maintained the noise was within the federal decibel range but eventually conceded the trains were set to a higher range than the diesel cars, eventually resetting them.
A separate and ongoing effort for a train quiet zone in North Central San Mateo will not be discussed at this meeting. The meeting is 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, in the council chambers, City Hall, 330 W. 20th Ave.
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Murder for Two Read moreMurder For Two
Dirk van Ulden said:
Rick Bonilla said:
Hey Terry, I thought your favorite smaller government. What’s up with this? You are starting to sound like a Democrat.
Rick Bonilla said:
Dirk van Ulden said:
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