Caltrain, Balfour Beatty and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) have celebrated the start of testing across the fully electrified 51-mile Caltrain corridor.
This milestone paves the way for Caltrain to commence operating its electric trains for passenger services between San Francisco and San Jose in September 2024.
“The completion of the Overhead Catenary System allows us to test electric trains along our entire corridor. This is a momentous step in the Caltrain Electrification project as we approach the launch of electrified service in fall 2024. We want to thank PG&E and Balfour Beatty, as well as all of Caltrain and TASI’s dedicated employees and consultants for their help and coordination with this historic achievement.”
To enable the route to be fully electrified, Caltrain has built two main traction power substations in San Jose and South San Francisco. Together with a switch station and seven parallel stations along the corridor, these substations provide, distribute and regulate electricity to the overhead wires that will power Caltrain’s new high-performance electric trains.
As crews continue to test electric trains along the corridor, Caltrain is undertaking a public outreach campaign to educate passengers, residents and businesses about best safety practices along this newly electrified corridor.
“The success of the first electrification conversion within a major transit system is attributed to the relentless work and partnership between Balfour Beatty, PG&E and Caltrain. Balfour Beatty dedicated global resources to achieve this monumental milestone safely and satisfactorily which has been an extraordinary journey to date in enhancing Caltrain’s rail service for local passengers. We are proud of all team members involved who continue to bring this transformative transportation solution to reality.”
Caltrain’s Electrification Project will see the operator transition from diesel to electric trains. This shift promises faster, more frequent service, as well as improved passenger amenities such as Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Electrification also contributes to ambitious climate goals, reduces noise and air pollution, and paves the way for California’s high-speed rail network.
