Caltrain aims to improve safety and accessibility on its trains

Caltrain is making improvements to improve the customer experience by improving safety and accessibility on its trains. 

Installation of RailSentry 

Caltrain has begun to install a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and camera-based artificial intelligence (AI) solution at its Churchill Avenue Crossing in Palo Alto, Calif., as part of its ongoing commitment to safety improvements. RailSentry, developed by Herzog, uses a combination of LiDAR and cameras to observe an area and alert railroad operations groups of lingering vehicles or other objects to mitigate collisions between trains and vehicles, people or other objects. Caltrain notes the deployment of the technology follows its successful installation at the Broadway Crossing in Burlingame. 

Caltrain has implemented a host of safety infrastructure improvements at crossings in addition to the latest technological improvements, including installing pavement markings and reflective posts, with additional installations planned for throughout the year. 

According to Caltrain, RailSentry’s AI-based learning software analyzes the information and alerts  dispatchers and transit police to any detected potential hazards. RailSentry data is also used to ensure traffic control measures are facilitating smooth traffic flow.  

The agency says the technology has already had an impact, helping Caltrain demonstrate the effectiveness of installed safety improvements. In January, Caltrain installed solar-powered markers at the Broadway Burlingame Crossing to clearly delineate road lines to prevent cars from turning too far onto the tracks, similar to existing markers at other pedestrian crossings. The installation of the markers comes after the replacement of railroad crossties and upgraded concrete panels late last year, which were geared toward providing a smoother crossing for drivers.  

Caltrain says that prior to these enhancements at the Broadway Burlingame Crossing, it removed one vehicle every three months from the tracks. RailSentry’s technology revealed that three vehicles per week attempted to turn onto the tracks and ultimately left on their own. Since the installation of the markers in January, Caltrain says there have been zero attempts by vehicles to turn onto the tracks. 

Caltrain receives regular alerts when vehicles rest on the tracks for longer than expected, providing the agency with warnings to properly alert trains if necessary. RailSentry has provided additional information to Caltrain and the city of Burlingame that has led to better signal pre-emption times and traffic control. 

Caltrain notes the crossing will receive additional safety enhancements throughout the course of the year, including updating paint striping, redoing pavement markings, moving signal stop bars, installing new signage and placing flexible, reflective delineator posts to reduce speeds and help drivers safely navigate the intersection. Caltrain has also worked with technology providers to improve navigation instructions around tracks to prevent cars from getting stuck in the crossing. 

“Safety is a core value at Caltrain that underlies everything we do,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard. “We are committed to delivering safety improvements that will make a difference for our riders and the people that cross our tracks every day.” 

New restrooms 

Caltrain is also partnering with smart restroom innovator Throne Labs, who will provide tech-enabled restrooms at the Sunnyvale and Redwood City Caltrain stations. Caltrain says Throne restrooms are ADA-compliant, featuring running water sinks, flushing toilets, baby changing stations and free menstrual products. Each Throne restroom includes 21 sensors that provide insight into the restroom’s status, unit health, potential misuse and usage statistics. After each visit, Caltrain says users are asked for a real-time cleanliness rating, which helps the Throne operations team maintain a consistently excellent experience.  

"Expanding bathroom access is making our system more user-friendly for all riders," Bouchard said. "At Caltrain, we are committed to improving the passenger experience, and this pilot program is intended to benefit Caltrain riders." 

Caltrain notes users can enter the restroom with a text message or phone application associating each use with a unique anonymous user ID that creates a layer of accountability often lacking from public restrooms. According to Caltrain, the data-driven approach has proven successful across diverse communities, from suburban parks in Fairfax, Va., to busy Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority stations, where Thrones maintain a user satisfaction rate of over four out of five stars. 

“Through this groundbreaking partnership with Caltrain, Throne is innovating on an everyday experience that hasn't seen meaningful change since indoor plumbing,” said Throne Labs CEO Fletcher Wilson. “The new Throne restrooms at the Redwood City and Sunnyvale stations will enhance the passenger experience by taking the stress out of using public restrooms. It's very fitting that the first smart public restrooms will now be available in the heart of Silicon Valley.”