Caltrain's New ELECTRIC TRAIN IS In Big Trouble

Caltrain's New ELECTRIC TRAIN IS In Big Trouble
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00:00 Intro
00:50 Ridership report
01:31 Problems with old diesel trains
03:40 Problems with the EMUs
05:06 Caltrain horn
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Caltrain's New ELECTRIC TRAIN IS In Big Trouble
So, Caltrain’s gone electric, and on paper, it’s the transit revolution we’ve all been waiting for—cleaner, faster, quieter. But, as is often the case with these “upgrades,” reality doesn’t always live up to the hype. In a way, it’s that classic case of “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”
In a recent Caltrain board meeting, documents revealed plenty of dramas, featuring some surprising twists in the “futuristic” experience—along with one same old nemesis making a return, the horn blast. To turn up the drama even more, Caltrain’s response to complaints has pushed frustrated riders to start digging through laws to counter their arguments. If Caltrain can’t get these issues under control, it risks more than just annoyed riders—it could end up with a tarnished public image, which might seriously hurt its chances for future funding and investment.
Caltrain's New ELECTRIC TRAIN IS In Big Trouble
So, what are some of the new problems Caltrain’s shiny electric trains have brought along for the ride? And what’s that familiar, long-standing issue Caltrain just can’t seem to shake? Let’s find out in today’s episode.
First up, a bit of positivity: ridership is actually up, way up! The October 2024 numbers show a big boost, with total ridership hitting 753,386—that’s 43.6% of pre-pandemic levels. Not too shabby, right? Compared to last October, ridership has jumped by 53.5%, and average weekday commuters are flocking to the service with a 38.3% increase. But it’s the weekend stats that shine: Saturday ridership has shot up by 169.1%, and Sunday’s not far behind with a 142.3% spike. People aren’t just riding Caltrain to work; they’re using it for weekend plans, too!
Caltrain's New ELECTRIC TRAIN IS In Big Trouble
So, Caltrain’s electric era is starting strong. It's faster, greener, and a solid alternative to fighting Bay Area traffic. And with more people hopping on board, it’s clear Caltrain’s making waves—not just in weekday commutes but across the whole Bay Area lifestyle. So what are some problems they are facing right now?
With Caltrain’s shiny new electrification upgrades, those old diesel trains have officially been retired. But instead of rolling off into the sunset or being auctioned off as Caltrain said, they’ve become something of a neighborhood nuisance. Over at Crescent Cove Apartments, residents aren’t thrilled—those old train cars, parked right by their lot, have started drawing some unexpected visitors who seem to be making themselves right at home. In one complaint email, they said this:
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