Caltrain amps up train testing on electrified corridor

Caltrain recently conducted a successful test of eight trains running simultaneously on the new San Francisco-to-San Jose corridor, marking the final corridor-wide test before the launching of electrified service in September.

Caltrain plans to launch electric service on Sept. 21. The service will feature a San Francisco-to-San Jose trip in under an hour, with peak-hour trains operating every 15 to 20 minutes at 16 stations and other trains operating every half hour during mid-day, evening and weekend periods.

The electrification project includes 10 traction-power facilities installed between the San Francisco and San Jose that will provide, distribute and regulate electricity to the OCS and electric trains.

The electrification project is the first undertaking in North America in a generation in which diesel trains and their infrastructure components are transitioned to an electrified system, Caltrain officials said in a news release.

"I look forward to September when we can enjoy the benefits of a faster, greener and quieter Caltrain," said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard.