Caltrain dedicated funding is approved by voters

Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
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Grade-separated East 25th Avenue reopens.
Caltrain

Historically, Caltrain has depended upon rider fares to support its operations. The agency is the only Bay Area transit system without a dedicated revenue source. As is the case with most transit agencies, the coronavirus has walloped revenue as riders have made other arrangements for the journey to work or work from home.

On election day, voters in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties, approved Measure RR, which will provide Caltrain with a dedicated source of funding.

Caltrain Board Chair Dave Pine said “With this victory, Caltrain has a bright future as it will now be able to provide congestion relief throughout the corridor by serving tens of thousands of new riders with a vastly improved, modernized rail system. With new electric trains powered by clean energy, more frequent service, and stable and affordable fares, Caltrain will be able to realize its full potential as the backbone of public transit on the Peninsula. The people we serve have placed their faith in us with this vote, and with Measure RR we will continue to work to improve this vital service.”

The funding measure is set for 30 years, and the agency will start collecting funds from the new tax on July 1, 2021.

Caltrain’s Executive Director, Jim Hartnett, said “Caltrain is very thankful to the voters for making a decision to support a cleaner, greener and less congested future. This funding will sustain Caltrain through this time of crisis, and will help evolve Caltrain to become the modernized mass transit system that the riders, residents, businesses and communities along this rail corridor deserve. We are humbled by the faith and trust you have put in us, and we are eager to get to work.”

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