Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions, Industrial  -  May 15, 2024

Caltrain Completes Electrification

Caltrain’s transition of diesel trains and their infrastructure components to an electrified system is complete.

The 51-mile corridor between San Francisco and San Jose was electrified by Balfour Beatty, and official revenue service will start in September 2024.

Caltrain is preparing to transform the system into a faster, more efficient and sustainable service for commuters throughout the Bay Area.

The project team installed foundations and 2,569 pre-engineered poles and strung 2,645,050 feet of wire to support the Overhead Contact System (OCS), which powers the fleet of new, high-performing electric trains. In addition, 10 traction power facilities — electric power stations used to provide, distribute and regulate electricity to the OCS and electric trains — were installed between the San Francisco and San Jose corridor.

“We are now at the cusp of our new and improved electrified service,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard in a statement. “I thank our partners at Balfour Beatty for helping us to deliver a transformative change that will benefit Bay Area residents for decades to come.”