Caltrain reduces train horn usage

Caltrain today will begin lowering horn noise from trains passing through certain stations in California.

The railroad chose the stations for horn-use reduction based on their configurations. For example, a train passing through the San Bruno, Belmont and San Carlos stations only needs to sound one short horn blast as it approaches because those stations have track and platforms that are separate from street level.

Visual message signs and audio announcements will warn passengers that trains are approaching at the 22nd Street, Bayshore, South San Francisco, Millbrae, Belmont, California Avenue, San Antonia, Lawrence and Santa Clara stations.

The reduction in horn noise is not expected to compromise safety standards set by the Federal Railroad Administration and the California Public Utilities Commission, Caltrain officials said in a press release.

Engineers will continue to sound horns at stations with pedestrian crossings, as well as  when they see safety hazards near or around the tracks.