Celebrating the successful completion of Caltrain’s electrification

Events honored the HNTB-program-managed electrification project

SAN JOSE, Calif. – HNTB joins Caltrain in celebrating the completion of the Caltrain Electrification Project, marking a transformative leap toward modernized, sustainable public transportation along the San Francisco Peninsula corridor. To mark the occasion, Caltrain held celebratory events last weekend in every city along the corridor in addition to other events hosted by local cities and other transportation agencies.  

“Completing the Caltrain Electrification Project marks a pivotal moment for the entire San Francisco Peninsula community as we move toward a more sustainable and efficient future,” stated Pranaya Shrestha, PE, HNTB senior program manager. “We’re honored to have partnered with Caltrain on this project and to celebrate this important milestone. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering innovative solutions that significantly improve public transportation and reduce environmental impact.”

This ambitious project — aimed at electrifying the Caltrain service from San Francisco Caltrain Station at 4th and King to the Tamien Caltrain Station in San Jose — represents a significant improvement in service efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The electrification initiative includes the introduction of 19 new, high-performance seven-car electric trainsets, replacing diesel-hauled trains. The project also includes service enhancements, including running trains every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours and saving riders up to 25 minutes on their commute from San Francisco to San Jose.

“We celebrate not just the completion of a project but a transformative leap forward for our community and every rider who will benefit from these advancements,” said Michelle Bouchard, Caltrain executive director. “We are grateful for partners like HNTB, who have helped us bring this visionary project to life. Their expertise was a vital tool in the effort to provide our community with a safer, more efficient and sustainable Caltrain.”

HNTB’s responsibility in the Caltrain Electrification Project included providing leadership and program management, driving the project toward success. The firm also oversaw the procurement of multiple new electric units for Caltrain and the upgrade of the existing maintenance facility to accommodate the new fleet. Additionally, the firm also oversaw the implementation of wireless grade crossing technology, a unique feature of this project. These advancements were achieved while maintaining continuous diesel service, minimizing disruption to daily commutes.

The weekend celebration events allowed attendees to experience the new electric train sets and the faster, more frequent schedule, enjoy community booths and local food options as well as engage with the project team about the technologies and innovations implemented.

Caltrain Electrification Project Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Caltrain Electrification Project?

The Caltrain Electrification Project is a transformative initiative to upgrade the Caltrain corridor between San Francisco Station and Tamien Station by replacing diesel locomotives with new high-performance seven-car electric trainsets. This project aims to enhance service, safety and passenger comfort while reducing long-term environmental impacts and improving regional air quality.

2. When did the Caltrain Electrification Project begin?

The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, which operates Caltrain, began planning for this project in the 1990s. The project broke ground in 2017 and involved extensive planning, engineering and construction to transform Caltrain into an electrified commuter rail service.

3. What role did HNTB play in the project?

As the program manager, HNTB played a crucial role in overseeing the project. The firm acted as the owner’s representative, ensuring alignment among all stakeholders to keep the project on track and within budget. As program manager, HNTB managed the budget, schedule, vehicle procurement, comprehensive risk management, stakeholder engagement, construction activities, system integration, testing activities and coordinated engineering activities.

4. What are the key benefits of the project?

The key benefits include:

• Enhanced passenger service and comfort
• Improved safety features
• Reduced noise and greenhouse gas emissions
• Increased operational efficiency and service frequency
• Improved regional air quality
• Greater connection for surrounding communities
• Improved mobility and access to employment and opportunities throughout the Bay Area

5. When will the electrified passenger service begin?

On Aug. 10, 2024, Caltrain introduced the first electric trains into passenger service. On Sept. 21, 2024, the entire service from San Francisco to San Jose was fully electrified, operating a faster and more frequent service.

6. What environmental benefits does the project provide?

The electrification project significantly reduces noise and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to improved regional air quality and a more sustainable transportation system. In addition, electric trains are more energy-efficient, and because they are powered by 100% renewable energy, their carbon footprint is substantially lower than diesel locomotives. Annual emissions will be reduced by 250,000 metric tons of CO2, equivalent to removing 55,000 cars from the road.

7. What service enhancements will the electrification bring?

The project will expand service frequency to every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours across 16 stations, compared to just 7 stations previously. Electrification will result in faster trains, saving riders up to 25 minutes on their commute from San Francisco to San Jose while also accommodating increased ridership and significantly enhancing overall service efficiency. Trains will also feature free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, accessible restrooms, and digital displays that offer trip information.

8. Where can I find more information about the Caltrain Electrification Project?

For more information on the Caltrain Electrification project, please visit www.caltrain.com/projects/electrification.