Caltrain gains the funding for electrification

Caltrain announced, Tuesday, that it will receive $367 million to finish its long-sought $2.4 billion electrification project, which it claims is the first undertaking in North America in a generation to transition from diesel trains to an electrified system.

The money will keep the electrification project on track for completion in the fall of 2024 and will strengthen the agency’s financial outlook, a spokesperson for Caltrain said…

Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard said that the project will provide more frequent service to riders and “enhanced amenities.” The number of trains will increase, service will be modernized and new safety elements will be added, the agency said.

Amenities will include digital trip information on board, increased storage capacities, baby changing tables, Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat, and reduced noise and air pollution.

It will also set the framework for California’s future high-speed rail network that will run on the Caltrain corridor.