Dec 29, 2007

Caltrain considers electric avenue

Switch from diesel could boost ridership as much as 52 percent by 2017

By Will Oremus / Daily News Staff Writer

Switching from diesel to electric power will help Caltrain accommodate 52 percent more riders per day by 2017, a new report estimates.

The rail line expects to run at least 110 trains per weekday once it goes electric in 2014, according to its newly updated strategic plan. That's up from 96 trains today.

The numbers are the first published estimates of the impact of Caltrain's long-planned electrification program. While hurdles remain, the agency said it expects the transition will help it meet the Peninsula's growing demand for public transit.

"It's very exciting to see these numbers," said San Mateo County Supervisor Jerry Hill, a Caltrain board member. "To me, it looks like (electrification) will complete the perfect rollout of Caltrain service on the Peninsula."

The projections also take into account several smaller improvements planned for the San Jose-to-San Francisco railroad. Those include more tracks, better signals, and upgrades to some stations.

For instance, construction is under way at the Burlingame station to put platforms on both sides of the tracks instead of just one. That will allow the station to hold two trains at once, eliminating a bottleneck that forces trains to wait outside the station until it's clear.

Caltrain's popularity is already on the rise amid high gas prices, a recovering economy, global warming concerns and the railroad's introduction of speedy express trains. Ridership this year is up by almost 8 percent over last year.

Average weekday ridership ased on ticket sales was roughly 36,200 in October, the most recent moth for which statistics are available.

But spokesman Jonah Weinberg said the railroad is getting close to its capacity at peak commute times. Without improvements, it wouldn't be able to keep up with demand, which should continue to grow as Peninsula cities plan housing developments near train stations.

The key, he said, is electrification. Lightweight "Electric Multiple Unit" trains start and stop more quickly than those powered by diesel locomotives, shaving minutes from the commute and allowing them to run closer together.

Caltrain has said in the past it believes full electrification would allow it to schedule stops at every station at least every 30 minutes.

It could also save as much as $3 million annually on fuel costs, Weinberg said, with more savings expected on maintenance. Increased ridership would also boost revenue.

Before it can make the switch, Caltrain needs more money to buy the new cars. It also needs a federal waiver to run the electric cars on the same tracks as traditional trains.

Until then, the agency expects to keep struggling with budget deficits, according to the strategic plan.

Caltrain's governing body, the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday at 1250 San Carlos Ave. in San Carlos.



E-mail Will Oremus at woremus@dailynewsgroup.com.