Caltrain transportation

In 2015, the board unanimously approved an 8-1 ratio of seats-to-bikes for electrified trains with the expectation that there would be more bike capacity than today, no fewer seats than today, and one more train per hour.

I am disappointed that the proposed six-car electrified trains have less bike capacity and significantly fewer seats than today. While the six-car trains meet the 8-1 ratio, that alone is meaningless (the 8-1 ratio can be met with eight seats and one bike space per train, or 16 seats and two bikes spaces per train, and so on).

I thank Caltrain for applying for funding to launch electrified service with eight-car trains instead of six-car. I am excited that eight-car electrified trains with 96 bike spaces per train will meet the 8-1 ratio with more bike capacity and more seats per train than today, completely fulfilling the board’s expectations.

Donna Weber

Palo Alto