Caltrain adds trains, service to alleviate crowding during peak hours

In response to record ridership growth, Caltrain plans to add two new trains, restore four others that previously were eliminated due to budget constraints and add service to existing trains starting Oct. 1, Caltrain officials announced yesterday.
 
In June, Caltrain reached all-time high ridership that averaged more than 50,000 riders every weekday, resulting in full trains during many peak travel times, agency officials said in a prepared statement. While the additional service won't eliminate crowding, it will provide commuters with more options during peak travel times and more frequent trains during the midday for riders during off-peak times, they said.

"We're hoping these changes will provide a short-term solution while we continue to plan for faster, more frequent service to more stations through corridor electrification," said Caltrain Deputy Chief Executive Chuck Harvey.

Electrification is part of the agency's modernization program, which will fund the purchase of electric vehicles and installation of an advanced signal system known as CBOSS positive train control. The upgrades will enable Caltrain to provide more frequent, faster and reliable service, and prepare the corridor for future high-speed rail, Caltrain officials said.