Governor Newsom and new High-Speed Rail CEO celebrate Caltrain’s electrification as key part of high-speed rail plan
SAN FRANCISCO August 10, 2024 – This week marks a significant milestone in California’s journey towards high-speed rail as Caltrain introduces its newly electrified train fleet. Supported by over $1.3 billion in state funding, including more than $700 million directly from the high-speed rail project, these new electric trains are set to revolutionize rail service in the Bay Area and play a crucial role in the broader California high-speed rail system.
On Thursday, the California High-Speed Rail Authority appointed Ian Choudri as its new CEO. Choudri, alongside Governor Gavin Newsom, joined state and local leaders in San Francisco to celebrate this transformative moment for the state’s transportation infrastructure.
“This electrified Caltrain fleet is not just about getting people where they need to go faster—it’s about connecting communities and driving economic growth,” Governor Newsom stated. “The completed Caltrain project is an integral part of our high-speed rail vision and underscores California’s commitment to clean transportation.”
Caltrain’s Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project, which converts the rail line between San Francisco and San Jose from diesel to electric service, is a key component of this vision. The project is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cutting 250,000 tons annually—equivalent to removing 55,000 cars from the road. Moreover, it will enhance rail capacity and prepare the corridor for future integration with California’s high-speed rail network.
Upon completion, the new system will offer express train services operating in under an hour, compared to the current 65 minutes, and local services in 75 minutes, down from 100 minutes today. Additionally, 16 stations will have service every 15-20 minutes during peak periods, compared to only seven currently, with consistent 30-minute service available mid-day, evenings, and weekends.
Construction on the project began in July 2017, and limited passenger service will commence tomorrow, with full service expected next month. The progress made over the past year, bolstered by historic funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, has brought California’s high-speed rail project closer to reality, with environmental reviews completed from Los Angeles to the Bay Area, and significant advancements in trainset selection, station and track construction, and job creation.
As Ian Choudri, the incoming CEO of California High-Speed Rail Authority, noted, “Caltrain’s electrification is a critical piece of the broader vision for electrified rail across California. I’m proud to join today’s celebration and look forward to building on this momentum as we continue to shape the future of transportation in our state.”
The electrification of Caltrain is not just a step forward for Bay Area commuters—it’s a leap towards a more connected, sustainable, and efficient transportation future for all of California.
