Watch: Caltrain Inaugurates Electric Service
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
Photo courtesy of Caltrain
Caltrain
SAN FRANCISCO –– This past Saturday saw the beginning of a long-awaited event - the inauguration of Caltrain's new electric trains along the San Francisco peninsula.
This year marks the 160th Anniversary of rail passenger service, largely commuter, on the San Francisco Peninsula. The line from San Francisco to San Jose was completed in 1864, and was known as the San Francisco & San Jose Railroad. In 1870, this road was absorbed into the Southern Pacific Railroad, setting the stage for storied commuter rail service that continues to exist today. For decades, Southern Pacific operated strong commuter service along the Peninsula, and in 1977 ridership had dropped to the point where SP was interested in shedding this service. After a series of machinations, the service essentially took its present form in 2012., operating as Caltrain. Of course, transition of commuter operations from private to public ownership was taking place throughout the country.
According to San Mateo’s The Daily Journal, “the event featured a bevy of politicians and other dignitaries who touted the project as a sign of renewed hope for modern trains and a forerunner to other such undertakings elsewhere.”
Among the dignitaries attending the event former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and London Breed, the Mayor of San Francisco. These dignitaries, along with invited guests, rode a special train from San Francisco to Millbrae and back, a round trip of approximately 25 miles.
House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, top left, and Gov. Gavin Newsom, top right, cut the red ribbon Saturday with Caltrain leadership, federal and state elected officials on hand at the San Francisco Train Station. Photo and caption courtesy of Nick Rose and the San Mateo Daily Journal. Used with their kind permission.
According to the Journal, the electric trains will replace the existing diesel-powered trains from now through September 21. The first day of public ridership was Sunday, August 11, and the corridor is expected to be operating electric trains exclusively by September 21.
Although we ran this with a Caltrain story in June, this is cool video that is worth watching again!
