Project 2025

Presented by the Caltrain staff in January 2007, Project 2025 is a phased implemenation plan that would fulfill a vision laid out by BayRail Alliance of a faster and more accessible rapid-transit regional rail service on Peninsula.

With the current diesel technology, Caltrain's operating costs are increasing at a rate higher than its ability to provide additional service to carry more riders. Electrification is a proven and cost-effective technology to deliver world-class regional rail service on the Peninsula. Electrified regional trains operate in many cities throughout Europe and Asia. In the United States, electrified regional trains connect the suburban commuters with the urban core in New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

A key element of the Project 2025 is electrification of the Caltrain system between San Francisco and San Jose. Project 2025 analysis shows that Caltrain will carry more riders and lower it operating costs by using a type of lighter-weight electrified multiple-unit equipment common outside the U.S. (which requires a change in federal regulation) than by converting to FRA-compliant, electrified trains that are currently used in the U.S.

Electrification provides the following advantages necessary to meet the future ridership demand as this region grows:

    * Advanced electrified multiple units (EMUs), proposed by Caltrain
      and endorsed by BayRail Alliance, would reduce trip time by 10
      minutes for a limited stop train by providing faster acceleration
      and braking. Electrification means faster trip time for every
      train at every station.

    * EMU trains can be shortened or lengthened throughout the day based
      on demand with no change in train performance. EMUs would be able
      to provide efficient and reliable train service during peak or
      off-peak hours.

    * EMU trains operate faster and have a short turn-around time. That
      means the same trains and the same operating crews can make more
      runs, serve more passengers, and collect more fare revenue.

    * Fully compatible with planned San Francisco Downtown extension and
      California High Speed Rail

    * Electric trains are quiet and emit no pollution.