Caltrain aces first tests of electric trains, overhead wires

Caltrain on Monday announced it successfully tested electric trains and overhead wires for the first time.

Conducted between Redwood City and Mountain View, California, the tests now will enable the railroad to ramp up additional testing of the new fleet before the planned launch of electrified service in fall, Caltrain officials said in a press release.

Live test runs were performed with electric trains traveling 20 mph to ensure the overhead wire and train were properly connected. Later, train speed was increased to 79 mph, the corridor’s maximum speed limit. Caltrain successfully completed 25 test runs in total, railroad officials said.

Each of the 23 electric trainsets must complete 1,000 miles of testing before they can carry passengers. Testing next will take place from San Jose to Redwood City to help keep the electric service launch on schedule.

"Another test completed marks another step towards a reliable, fast and frequent service for our riders," said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard.

The proposed electrification service plan now includes 70 weekday peak hour trains, an increase from the current 66, Caltrain officials said. Midday trains would cover 44 stations per hour — up from the current 34 — and weekend trains would arrive every half hour instead of hourly.