Caltrain Electrification

A sustainable transit initiative that has converted a 160-year-old rail corridor from diesel to electric, the Caltrain Electrification project runs between the San Francisco Station to the Tamien Station. Open for ridership, the corridor provides rail passengers with enhanced speed, capacity, safety and comfort while reducing emissions and improving air quality in the region.

The project sits under the broader Caltrain Modernization Program. As a close partner to Caltrain, HNTB served as program manager and owner’s representative, managing the alignment between all Bay Area stakeholders involved in the initiative and ensuring the effort stayed on track and budget. The firm’s scope of work included the management of design and construction and coordination of the project’s budget, schedule, risk, rail activation, system startup and vehicle procurement activities.

A New Fleet

Electrification of the rail line involved the introduction of 19 new, high-performance, seven-car electric trainsets to replace the current diesel locomotive trains. With procurement led by HNTB, this new fleet of vehicles not only enhances the overall passenger experience but also address long-term environmental impacts such as noise reduction, air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.

An Improved Service

In addition to converting diesel-hauled trains to electric trains, the Caltrain Electrification project includes increasing service to six trains per peak hour in each direction and maintaining operating speeds up to 79 mph. These service improvements are expected to accommodate increased system ridership.

With electrification of the corridor complete and the new fleet transitioned into active operation, the Caltrain project is set to reshape how the Bay Area moves for decades to come, offering a more sustainable and efficient transportation solution for communities.