Caltrain modernization progresses with California HSR vote
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editorThe California Legislature's vote to approve funding for the Caltrain Modernization Project as part of the California High-speed Rail Authority's effort marks a milestone in bringing modern electric rail service to the San Francisco Bay area. The bill authorizes $600 million in high-speed rail funds to modernize Caltrain.
In addition to the money received through the high-speed rail program, Caltrain also will receive more than $100 million in connectivity funding through Proposition 1A. Additional funds for the project will come from a combination of local, regional and federal sources.
A modern Caltrain system is expected to provide more service, carry more riders, get more cars off the roads, reduce the operating subsidy and reduce pollution.
“There is a generational responsibility to leave behind a world that is better than the one we found. This speaks to that responsibility,” said Caltrain Executive Director Mike Scanlon.
The “blended system” will allow Caltrain and high-speed rail to operate primarily on Caltrain’s existing tracks, minimizing the impacts on the communities through which it passes.
With the additional funding for the $1.5 billion project, electric train service could be operating on the Caltrain corridor as soon as 2019.