Council Works to Keep Caltrain Modernization on Track

The Bay Area Council is working with regional transportation officials to close an estimated $600 million funding gap for the Caltrain Modernization Program, whose costs have grown to more than $2 billion. The Caltrain Board of Directors this week (May 2) approved a new funding plan that includes seeking $264 million in local funds, $863 million from the state, $59.4 million from regional agencies and $1 billion in federal funds.

The Council has led the fight to electrify and upgrade Caltrain, which serves one of the country’s most economically productive corridors linking San Francisco and San Jose through Silicon Valley.  The modernization project will double available capacity in response to skyrocketing ridership growth, serve stations more frequently, and reduce travel time.  It will also restore weekday service to Atherton, drastically reduce diesel noise, pollution, and daily traffic congestion on Highway 101 and local streets, and prepare the corridor for future high speed rail service.  To engage in the Council’s transportation work, please contact Senior Vice President Michael Cunningham.