Getting a Whiff of that New (Cal)Train Smell

The Bay Area Council was one of the earliest and strongest advocates for electrifying and modernizing the Caltrain commuter rail service, so it was gratifying to bring a group of our members to San Jose last week (Feb. 2) for an exclusive insider tour of the system’s new electric trains. The Council, represented by Transportation Policy Vice President Emily Loper, joined San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, leaders from Caltrain and our partners at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and SAMCEDA in heralding Caltrain’s electrification and inhaling some of that new train smell. 

The new trains will enable faster and more frequent service, provide a quieter and more comfortable rider experience, and dramatically reduce air pollution in the Peninsula corridor between San Francisco and San Jose. In addition to our advocacy, the Council has played an instrumental role over the past decade in securing billions in federal, state, and local funding to complete the project. To learn more about the electrified service plan, see here. To engage in the Council’s transportation policy work, please contact Vice President Emily Loper.