Caltrain has celebrated the first anniversary of its fully electrified service, marking a year of record ridership growth, faster services, and significant environmental benefits for communities along the Peninsula.
Since the launch in September 2024, ridership has surged dramatically. Across fiscal year 2025, Caltrain carried 9.1 million passengers, compared with 6.2 million the previous year. Weekend ridership has more than doubled, and July 2025 alone saw a 78% increase compared with the same month in 2024 – the second consecutive month with over one million riders.
Special event travel has also grown, with ridership for San Francisco Giants games up by as much as 82%. The introduction of the $1 Youth Fare has quadrupled youth ridership since its launch in September 2024.
Michelle Bouchard, Caltrain Executive Director, said:
“Electrification has completely transformed Caltrain. We’re delivering cleaner, faster, and more frequent service, and riders are responding in record numbers. This first year has shown what’s possible when we invest in sustainable rail, and we’re only just getting started.”
Faster, more frequent service
Electrification has enabled Caltrain to expand its timetable while reducing journey times:
- Express services now travel between San Francisco and San Jose in one hour.
- Local trains cover the same route in 75 minutes, a 33% improvement on previous diesel operations.
- Weekend service has doubled, with departures every 30 minutes.
- All stations now receive a minimum of one train every 30 minutes in each direction, while 16 stations are served every 20 minutes and 11 every 15 minutes.
These changes have increased system capacity by 30%, providing greater flexibility for passengers.
Onboard enhancements and passenger experience
Caltrain’s new electric fleet has also improved the travel experience. The trains offer free Wi-Fi, charging outlets at nearly all seats, quieter journeys, and cleaner interiors.
Passenger engagement has been central to the anniversary celebrations, with outreach events at stations including San Francisco, Millbrae, Hillsdale, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Santa Clara, and San Jose Diridon. Riders are also being invited to share experiences in exchange for Caltrain merchandise.
Environmental benefits
The shift to electric traction has delivered immediate environmental improvements. New trains feature regenerative braking technology that returns 23% of power to other trains or the grid. The fleet has also proved more efficient than expected, saving an additional $3 million in operating costs.
Governor Gavin Newsom praised the project, saying:
“Today we celebrate one year of electrified Caltrain – using clean technology to connect more communities and economies throughout our state while laying crucial groundwork for high-speed rail. I’m proud to back projects like this, showcasing California’s leadership in driving innovation in a way that is future-proof and accessible for all.”
The Caltrain Electrification Project has also generated significant economic benefits, supporting over 33,000 jobs across 36 states through design, construction, and supply chain activity.
Share on:
