New Caltrain trainsets, Sound Transit rail cars arrive

Caltrain this week received its third and fourth electric trainsets at the passenger ailroad's centralized equipment and maintenance facility in San Jose, California.

The trains will undergo testing until they enter passenger service in 2024, Caltrain officials said in a press release. The high-performance Electrical Multiple Units (EMUs) include seven cars, while Caltrain's existing trainsets have five or six cars. EMUs accelerate and decelerate faster than diesel trains and don’t need to be pulled by a locomotive.

The electric motors also generate less noise and offer more amenities, including new digital onboard displays, power outlets, energy-efficient lighting, security cameras and expanded under-seat storage. Built by Stadler Rail in Salt Lake City, the trains were tested in Pueblo, Colorado.

Meanwhile, Sound Transit in Seattle received the first two of 11 new cars for the Sounder S Line this week. The new cars, one cab and one coach, were manufactured by Alstom. Under the $46.5 million contract, Sound Transit partnered with San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission and North County Transit District (both in California) to reduce the unit price for each rail car, Sound Transit officials said in a press release.

A second shipment of two cars is expected to arrive next month. The 11 new cars will increase the Sounder passenger-car fleet to 78, including both cab and coach cars. The first of the new cars are expected to enter service in fall.

The new cars feature crash energy management, which is designed to absorb energy in the event of a collision.