Caltrain – It’s Electrifying!

Did you know that Bay Meadows is a true transit-oriented community? The project is carefully planned and designed so that residents can live, work, play, and easily use a number of options for getting around, either on foot, by bike or by using public transportation.

Caltrain, a hub of public transportation on the peninsula and for Bay Meadows, is currently in the process of a major upgrade. The Caltrain Modernization Program (CalMod) will electrify and upgrade the performance, operating efficiency, capacity, safety and reliability of Caltrain’s commuter rail service by 2019. A key component to CalMod is the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP). Currently, Caltrains are diesel. The PCEP will change the trains to electric multiple unit trains for service between San Francisco and Tamien Station in San Jose.

There are several benefits of an electrification of Caltrain, most notably:

  • Improved regional air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Reduced engine noise emanating from trains
  • Improved train performance, increased ridership capacity and increased service
  • Increased revenue and reduce cost

CaltrainCardsThe project is in its early stages now, with the environmental review process scheduled to be complete at the end of this year. The electrification is being funded by regional, local, federal and state funds, including $700 million from High Speed Rail.

As part of the overall development plan, Bay Meadows is working closely with the city of San Mateo to participate in the Caltrain electrification. Eventually the plan is for the city to relocate the Hillsdale Caltrain station more central to Bay Meadows near 29th Avenue.

Passengers will still be able to ride Caltrain as this PCEP is put in place. The new system will provide cleaner trains with less impact to the environment, an enhanced rider schedule during peak travel times and because the project is a mix of state, federal and local funding, there will be no increase in fares as a result of the PCEP.

For more information on the CalMod and the PCEP, visit the website, or view the program fact sheet and FAQ’s.

Screen Shot 2014-08-15 at 11.20.08 AMClick your commute on Caltrain! As we develop community, we want to see how you live or play at Bay Meadows. Share your fun lifestyle photos with our community by using #baymeadowslife in our Fame x Frame Photo Contest. You could WIN $50 or our Grand Prize of $500 at the end of 2014 and be featured in a live pop-up photo gallery exhibit. Click here for official rules. Each month, Bay Meadows will select one photo to WIN a $50 gift card at Whole Foods Market San Mateo. Simply hop on instagram or twitter at tag us using #baymeadowslife or submit up to 10 photos per month to photos@BayMeadows.com .

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