BLET reaches tentative pact with Caltrain operator

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) announced yesterday they've reached a tentative agreement with Transit America Services Inc. for engineers employed by Caltrain.

The tentative agreement governs rates of pay, benefits and work rules for more than 60 members, BLET officials said in a press release.

Ballots, which have been mailed to active members eligible to vote on the ratification agreement, are due Oct. 15.

With an average of 65,000 riders each weekday, Caltrain commuter service operates between San Francisco on the north end, through San Jose to Gilroy on the south end. Previously, Amtrak operated the service until spring 2012.