Caltrain Marks First Year of Electrified Service with Higher Ridership

Caltrain has marked the first anniversary of its fully electrified service, highlighting a year of significant changes in ridership, service levels and environmental performance.

Since the introduction of electric trains in September 2024, Caltrain has carried 9.1 million passengers in the 2025 financial year, up from 6.2 million in 2024. Weekend patronage has more than doubled, and July 2025 recorded a 78% increase compared with the same month in the previous year, the second consecutive month with more than one million riders.

Travel linked to special events has risen sharply, including journeys to San Francisco Giants games, where monthly ridership has increased by as much as 82%. Youth travel has also expanded, following the launch of a 1 USD Youth Fare, which coincided with electrification.

Caltrain’s electrification has enabled faster and more frequent services. Express trains now complete the journey between San Francisco and San Jose in one hour, while local services cover the same distance in 75 minutes – around a third quicker than diesel operation.

Meanwhile, weekend frequencies have doubled, with trains every 30 minutes, and all stations now receive at least a half-hourly service in both directions. Some stations see trains as often as every 15 minutes. Overall, capacity has risen by 30%.

Governor Gavin Newsom said:

Today we celebrate one year of electrified Caltrain – using clean technology to connect more communities and economies throughout our state while laying crucial groundwork for high-speed rail. I’m proud to back projects like this, showcasing California’s leadership in driving innovation in a way that is future-proof and accessible for all.

Notably, the new fleet offers free Wi-Fi and charging points at most seats. The trains are also quieter and feature regenerative braking, which Caltrain states has returned 23% of power to the grid or to other trains. Operating costs have come in below forecast, with savings of around 3 million USD.

Caltrain’s electrification also directly supports the future integration of California High-Speed Rail by upgrading the corridor to meet the performance and infrastructure standards necessary for high-speed service.

Michelle Bouchard, Caltrain Executive Director said:

Electrification has completely transformed Caltrain. We’re delivering cleaner, faster, and more frequent service, and riders are responding in record numbers. This first year has shown what’s possible when we invest in sustainable rail, and we’re only just getting started.

Caltrain has tied its anniversary to Transit Month, holding events at stations including San Francisco, Millbrae, Palo Alto and San Jose Diridon, where passengers can share feedback and receive merchandise.