Caltrain horn noise is too much

In January 2025, more than 65 San Mateo residents attended a meeting with Caltrain to demand action. Yet almost nothing has changed. There have been periods lasting weeks when train horns were rarely heard — proving this problem can be reduced — but the excessive horn blasting always returns.

I personally measured Caltrain horn levels at Hayward Park Station at 104.1 decibels, even though 96 decibels is the federal minimum requirement. Horns are also now being blown in locations where they were not routinely used before the electric trains began service.

Residents throughout San Mateo and the Bay Area are being subjected to unnecessary noise pollution that disrupts sleep, harms health and quality of life, and reduces property values.

Caltrain has had almost two years to address this issue and has failed to do so. Voters should remember this when Caltrain asks for additional funding. If there is a sales tax increase measure on the ballot this fall to address Caltrain’s budget shortfall, I urge residents to vote NO and start spreading the word now.

Enough is enough.

Debra Rosenfeld

San Mateo