Caltrain seeks $20 million in TIGER V funds for electrification, PTC

A coalition of California state, federal and community leaders are backing Caltrain's $20 million request for federal funds to electrify and upgrade its rail service.

The coalition is supporting Caltrain's application for a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) V grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation. If approved, the grant would help fund a communications-based overlay signal system/positive train control (CBOSS/PTC) effort, Caltrain officials said in a press release.

The CBOSS/PTC system will involve federally mandated PTC implementation work and provide the foundation for Caltrain's electrification. Slated to be in operation in 2019, the system will allow for faster travel times and/or increased service to Caltrain stations, as well as reduce noise and greenhouse-gas emissions. Electrification also is essential for future operation of high-speed rail in the Bay Area, Caltrain officials said.

Caltrain and other regional funding partners, including the California High Speed Rail Authority, have agreed to provide $1.5 billion in local, state and federal funding for the electrification and CBOSS/PTC projects. The TIGER V grant would help cover the costs of those commitments, Caltrain officials said.

The USDOT is expected to announce the TIGER V recipients in fall.