Caltrain logs record 18.5 million passengers in FY2015

Caltrain's total ridership for the 2015 fiscal year surpassed 18.5 million passengers, marking a new record for the San Francisco-area commuter-rail line.

That total also represents a 54.8 percent increase from 2010, when the railroad reported 12 million riders, Caltrain officials said in a press release.

Caltrain logged an average weekday ridership of 58,429 passengers during the 2015 fiscal year, which ended June 30. On a year-over-year basis, the average weekday ridership increased 9.3 percent from 53,466 passengers in 2014, according to the railroad's website.

"Caltrain has become a vital resource for our customers and the demand for service has never been higher," said Caltrain Deputy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Harvey.  "These historic ridership levels look like they will remain on track and Caltrain will continue to work on increasing capacity to meet this growing demand."

To meet increased demand, Caltrain earlier this year purchased 16 used rail cars — five of which have already entered service following minor repair work. The remaining 11 cars require more extensive repair, and will enter service when they're ready, Caltrain officials said.