Caltrain to temporarily reduce its service levels from Dec. 5 through Dec. 18 to accommodate electrification construction

Caltrain will temporarily reduce its service levels to accommodate electrification construction from Dec. 5 through Dec. 18 On weekdays, the service will be reduced to 68 trains per day down from the current 104 trains per day, including the suspension of Baby Bullet service.

Weekend train service on Dec. 10 and 11 and Dec. 17 and 18 will be replaced by bus service between Belmont and Mountain View. Riders can transfer to SamTrans bus service through the affected area, which will increase travel time for riders by 60-90 minutes. The weekend bus bridges will serve all regular weekend stops between Belmont and Mountain View stations with timed train connections on both ends.

During this period of construction, train service will also end early on weeknights and weekends to accelerate work being performed on the entire railroad. The last northbound train each evening will depart Tamien Station at 9:01 p.m. and the last southbound train will depart San Francisco Station at 9:22 p.m.

This construction work includes signal cutover work at 16 grade crossings, requiring a 24/7 single-tracking window between Belmont and Mountain View.

Riders are encouraged to look at other available transit options during this period of construction. On Dec. 19, Caltrain will revert to the regular weekday and weekend schedule.

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 trains will feature onboard displays with digital trip information, increased storage capacities, more power outlets and spacious bathrooms with a baby-changing table.

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 neighbors. It will also set the framework for California’s future high speed rail network.