hour electric service between San Francisco and San Jose
The seven-car electric trains are faster than the five- and six-car diesels they replace, trimming express service between the two cities to under an hour, Caltrain said Saturday.
The electrified line will also allow trains at 16 stations every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours and twice-an-hour weekend trains, the railroad said in a press release.
The modernization of Caltrain, the oldest continually operating rail system west of the Mississippi, was celebrated with free fares last weekend.
The trains, built by Swiss manufacturer Stadler US in Salt Lake City, feature free Wi-Fi, onboard digital displays, security cameras, power outlets at each forward-facing seat, changing tables in the toilets and improved underseat storage, Caltrain said.
"The electrification of Caltrain is a milestone that we have been working towards for decades, and now everyone we serve can enjoy world class rail travel," Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard said in the press release .
South County riders will continue to use diesel trains to San Jose Diridon Station, where they will transfer across the platform to an electric train, according to Caltrain.
In the event of a late-arriving train, connecting trains will be held at Diridon between two to five minutes to accommodate South County passengers, the railroad said.
The final South County Connector of the day, Train 822, will be held as long as needed to ensure no passenger is left behind, Caltrain said.
