Caltrain to swap train sets to relieve crowding, perform maintenance

[Editor's note: This story was updated at 10:45 a.m. CDT.]

Later this month, Caltrain will replace some five-car Gallery train sets with six-car Bombardier train sets to allow for added passenger capacity.

A Gallery train (left) and a Bombardier train (right)
Photo: Caltrain

The adjustment also will provide the San Francisco-area commuter railroad's maintenance crews time to service and repair the Gallery cars, which are older than the Bombardier ones.

The swap will occur July 25 on trains going to and coming from Gilroy, Calif. These trains were chosen because they regularly are overcrowded with riders, Caltrain officials said in a press release.

"By taking those train cars out of the regular rotation, Caltrain can take the necessary mechanical measures to ensure that those Gallery cars remain reliable and safe for the riding public," they added.

The Gallery cars are the "more traditional" trains, with two passenger levels and a box-like design. The Bombardier trains are sleeker and feature three passenger seating levels.

The Bombardier units also feature carrying space for 80 bikes, compared to the 72 bikes on Gallery cars.