If we don't want to sit in gridlock on the Peninsula in the coming years, and we don't want to build new freeways, then we must increase the capacity of Caltrain to carry more passengers.
Caltrain is in a situation now where increases in diesel fuel prices and other costs related to labor, such as health insurance premiums, are outpacing even the healthy growth in ridership. The year is quickly approaching when Caltrain, filled to capacity, will be unable to accommodate additional riders during peak hours. In the near future, Caltrain may be forced to raise fares even more, and cut service. There is a very real danger of triggering a downward spiral of decreasing service, decreasing ridership, and higher fares.
Electrification is a proven method worldwide of cutting operating costs, and Caltrain staff have prepared analyses of how many more extra seats they can offer at reduced operating cost if Caltrain is electrified, in their Project 2025 presentation.
Caltrain has a lot of aging equipment that will need to be replaced soon. Since Caltrain has to replace a lot of equipment in any case, now is the time to spend some extra money to do it right and allow Caltrain to grow and sustain service over the next few decades. Electrification of Caltrain will revolutionize transit on the Peninsula, attract tens of thousands of new riders, and set an example in the U.S. of what rail transit can be.
BayRail Alliance
|
ElectrificationGeneral Meeting April 17, 2008Carbon Neutral Rail Service Time/date: What would it take to make the Caltrain run entirely on solar power? Joining us will be David Dearborn, a San Jose native who has developed a concept for Carbon Neutral Rail Service (CNRS). His presentation will be his first public presentation of this concept. He is looking for critical, constructive feedback to assess its long term feasibility and value. Your questions, input and critique are most welcome. Bring your calculators, note pads and curiosity.
After 30 years in the microwave component and telecommunications equipment industry, David continues to explore the world around him, research, develop and test new ideas and enjoy the creative process. Since obtaining his BS in Business Administration from San Jose State, his management career has included procurement, manufacturing, manufacturing engineering and project management. His work has taken him to Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia, and personal travels though much of Europe. As an avid cyclist he feels the greater Bay Area and much of California offer some of the best riding experiences in the world. He looks forward to meeting with us. Location: Regional Rail Plan WorkshopsTime/date: August 15 - 27, 2007 Source: MTC Track the Bay Area’s rail future at a public meeting on the Draft Regional Rail PlanAfter 18 months of analysis and stakeholder involvement, a draft regional rail plan for expanding the region’s network of rail lines has been completed.
The Draft Regional Rail Plan was made to identify potential rail passenger and rail freight improvements for the near-, intermediate-, and long-term and the economics of different scenarios. Wednesday, August 15, 2007 in Oakland MTC Joseph P Bort MetroCenter Lawrence D. Dahms Auditorium 101 Eighth Street, Oakland Session 1: 3 - 5 PM Session 2: 6 - 8 PM each session is identical, just held at different times. The format is an open house the first 1/2 hour followed by presentation/discussion. Thursday, August 16 in San Jose Santa Clara County Bldg Senter Auditorium Session 1: 3 - 5 PM Session 2: 6 - 8 PM Monday, August 20 in Suisun City Suisun City Hall Council Chambers 701 Civic Center Blvd., Suisun City Session 1: 3 - 5 PM Session 2: 6 - 8 PM Wednesday, August 22, 2007 in Livermore Livermore Public Library Community Rooms A & B 1188 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore Session 1: 3 - 5 PM Session 2: 6 - 8 PM Monday, August 27, 2007 in San Carlos CCAG offices San Mateo County 1250 San Carlos Ave, 2nd floor Auditorium San Carlos 3:30 PM - 5 PM one session only at this location Introduction to Caltrain ElectrificationLearn about plans to electrify Caltrain for faster trains, more frequent service, and less pollution Time/date: Come to the upcoming BayRail Alliance meeting to find out about plans to electrify Caltrain for faster trains, more frequent service, and lower pollution. Location: General Meeting Feb. 15, 2007Building Support for Electrification Time/date: We know that electrification is necessary for Caltrain's survival. Furthermore, Caltrain has only a two-year window of opportunity for a political commitment to be made. How can we build the political support necessary to make electrification a reality? We'll discuss how to talk about electrification with the ordinary layperson and your elected officials. Special presentation by Andy Chow. Location: Project 2025Presented 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.
November 1999November 2, 1999 — After a campaign by SF-based groups and PR2000, SF voters pass Prop. H with 69% of the vote. It requires city officials to seek funding for, and build, Caltrain downtown extension to a new or rebuilt terminal on the present site of the Transbay Transit Terminal, to protect right-of-way for the extension, and also to "pursue electrification of the Caltrain line from San Francisco to San Jose prior to or concurrent with the extension of Caltrain downtown".
|