First electric trains on Caltrain corridor

The electrification of Caltrain has reached another major milestone: on 6 June 2023 it was announced that electric trains operated under power from the overhead line for the first time. Initial tests will be conducted between Santa Clara and College Park Stations on the Santa Clara Drill Track. Test runs will expand to the main track, between San Antonio and San Jose Diridon stations this summer. “The start of testing for our new electric trains marks an historic moment for our agency, symbolizing tangible progress towards electrification” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard.

Caltrain’s historic Electrification Project is the first undertaking in North America in a generation in which diesel trains and their infrastructure components are transitioned to an electrified system. The project will improve the customer experience by increasing the number of trains, modernizing service and adding new safety elements. The new KISS EMUs will feature on-board displays with digital trip information, increased storage capacities, baby-changing tables, Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat.

Electrification will also help meet ambitious regional and state climate action goals by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and relieving traffic congestion. Additionally, electrified service will advance equity along the corridor by reducing noise and air pollution while increasing access for priority equity communities. It will also set the framework for California’s future High Speed Rail network that will run on the Caltrain corridor.  

Caltrain is owned and operated by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board. Caltrain provides rail service from San Francisco to San Jose, with commute service to Gilroy. Serving the region since 1863, Caltrain is the oldest continually operating rail system west of the Mississippi. Looking to the future, Caltrain is set to electrify the corridor by 2024. The commercial service is expected to start in autumn that year. For the service Caltrain has ordered 16 six-car double-deck Stadler-built KISS EMUs.