View source for Caltrain

{{Short description|Commuter rail line in California}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Distinguish|Caltrans|California High-Speed Rail}}
{{Redirect|CalTrain|the short-lived service in Los Angeles|CalTrain (Los Angeles)}}
{{Infobox public transit
| box_width = 
| name = Caltrain
| image = Caltrain_logo.svg
| alt = Cal in black letters, with train inscribed within a red circle, all letters italicized
| imagesize = 150px
| image2 = Caltrain KISS leaving Millbrae station, August 2024.jpg
| alt2 = A red and white electric train at a train station
| imagesize2 = 300px
| caption2 = A train at [[Millbrae station]] in 2024
| owner = [https://www.caltrain.com/about-caltrain/board-directors/meetings/board-directors?agency=Caltrain Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board]
| area served = [[Santa Clara Valley]]<br />[[San Francisco Peninsula]]
| transit_type = [[Commuter rail]]
| lines = 1 line{{Efn-lr|This refers to the physical tracks that a Caltrain "[[#Services|service]]" runs on}}<br />5 [[#Services|services]]{{Efn-lr|These "[[#Services|services/stopping patterns]]" run on physical tracks.}}
| line_number = 
| stations = 31 ([[List of Caltrain stations|list]])
| ridership = 32,418 per Weekday (March 2025)<br/>18,794 per Saturday (March 2025)<br/>11,411 per Sunday (March 2025)<ref name="numbers1">{{cite web |title=Fare Media Sales-Based Ridership Estimates |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about-caltrain/statistics-reports/ridership/fare-media-based |website=Caltrain |publisher=San Mateo County Transit District |access-date=August 3, 2024}}</ref>
| annual_ridership = {{American transit ridership|CA San Carlos Caltrain total annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| chief_executive = <!-- or | key_people = -->
| headquarters = [[San Carlos, California]]
| website = {{URL|caltrain.com}}
| began_operation = 1985 (as Caltrain)<br />1863 (as [[Peninsula Commute]])
| operator = [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]] (1870–1992)<br />[[Amtrak]] (1992–2012)<br />[[TransitAmerica Services]] (2012–present)
| marks = JPBX
| host = [[Union Pacific]] (Tamien–Gilroy)
| character = Commuter railroad with level crossings; limited freight service
| vehicles = 29 locomotives and 134 passenger cars (in revenue service)<ref name="fleet">{{Cite web |title=Caltrain-Commute Fleet |url=http://www.caltrain.com/about/statsandreports/commutefleets.html |access-date=September 27, 2017 |publisher=Caltrain.com}}</ref>
| train_length = 7 EMU Passenger Cars
| headway = 
| system_length = {{convert|77.2|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| notrack = [[Double-track railway|2]]+<ref name="schematics">{{CA rail schematics}}</ref>
| track_gauge = {{track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| el = {{25 kV 60 Hz|conductor=overhead}} (San Francisco to Tamien)<ref name=Stadler />
| average_speed = <!-- {{convert|0|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} -->
| top_speed = {{convert|79|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
| map = {{switcher
|{{maplink-road|from=Caltrain.map}} Caltrain highlighted in red <hr />
|Show interactive map
|{{Caltrain route|inline=yes}}
|Show route diagram
}}
| locale = 
| start = 
| end = 
}}

'''Caltrain''' ([[reporting mark]] '''JPBX''') is a [[commuter rail]] line in [[California]], serving the [[San Francisco Peninsula]] and [[Santa Clara Valley]] ([[Silicon Valley]]). The southern terminus is in [[San Jose, California|San Jose]] at the [[Tamien station]] with weekday rush hour service running as far as [[Gilroy, California|Gilroy]]. The northern terminus of the line is in San Francisco at [[San Francisco 4th and King Street station|4th and King Street]]. Caltrain has express, limited, and local services. There are 28 regular stops, one limited-service weekday-only stop ([[College Park station (Caltrain)|College Park]]), one weekend and holiday-only stop ([[Broadway station (Caltrain)|Broadway]]), and one stop that is only served on [[American football|football]] game days ([[Stanford station|Stanford]]). While average weekday ridership in 2019 exceeded 63,000, impacts of the [[COVID-19]] pandemic have been significant: in June 2024, Caltrain had an average weekday ridership of 24,580 passengers.<ref name="numbers">{{Cite web |title=Draft Board Agenda Packet - Oct 6 - WEB_0-1 |url=https://www.caltrain.com/media/23270/download |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=www.caltrain.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Caltrain is governed by the '''Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board''' ('''PCJPB''') which consists of agencies from the three counties served by Caltrain: [[Santa Clara County|Santa Clara]], [[San Francisco County|San Francisco]], and [[San Mateo County|San Mateo]]. Each member agency has three representatives on a nine-member Board of Directors. The member agencies are the [[Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority]], the [[San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency]], and the [[SamTrans|San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans)]].

Historically served by [[diesel locomotive]]s, [[Caltrain Modernization Program|Caltrain has electrified]] {{Convert|51|mi|km}} of its route between 4th and King and Tamien and has transitioned to electric service, with diesel trains remaining in service between San Jose and Gilroy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caltrain |title=Electrification {{!}} Caltrain |url=https://www.caltrain.com/projects/electrification |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=www.caltrain.com |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
===Southern Pacific service===
{{main|Peninsula Commute}}
[[File:SP 3200 at Bayshore April 1985xRP.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Southern Pacific]] locomotive pulls a [[Peninsula Commute]] train past Bayshore in April 1985.]]
The original commuter railroad was built in 1863 under the authority of the [[San Francisco & San Jose Railroad]];<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=http://www.caltrain.com/about/History.html?PageMode=Print |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=www.caltrain.com |archive-date=May 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510173125/http://www.caltrain.com/about/History.html?PageMode=Print |url-status=dead }}</ref> it was purchased by [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]] (SP) in 1870.

SP double-tracked the line in 1904 and rerouted it via the [[Bayshore Cutoff]]. After 1945, ridership declined with the rise in automobile use; in 1977 SP petitioned the state Public Utilities Commission to discontinue the commuter operation because of ongoing losses. California legislators wrote Assembly Bill 1853 in 1977 to allow local transit districts along the line to make bulk purchases of tickets for resale at a loss, subsidizing commuters reliant on the Peninsula Commute until 1980; more importantly, the bill also authorized the [[California Department of Transportation]] (Caltrans) to begin negotiating with SP to operate the passenger rail service and acquire the right-of-way between San Bruno and Daly City.<ref>{{cite California statute |year=1977 |chapter=1216 |page=4093 |title=An act to add and repeal Section 26002.5 of the Government Code, to amend Section 483 of the Penal Code, and to amend Sections 522 and 99260.5 of, to add Sections 707 and 99234.7 to, and to add and repeal Section 99151 of, the Public Utilities Code, relating to transportation, and making an appropriation therefor.}}</ref>

To preserve the commuter service, in 1980 Caltrans contracted with SP and began to subsidize the Peninsula Commute. Caltrans purchased new locomotives and rolling stock, replacing SP equipment in 1985. Caltrans also upgraded stations, added shuttle buses to nearby employers, and dubbed the operation '''CalTrain'''.

===Joint Powers Board===
[[File:CalTrain double decker exterior.jpg|thumb|left|A Caltrain car manufactured by [[Nippon Sharyo]]]]
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board was formed in 1987 to manage the line. Subsequently, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties commissioned Earth Metrics, Inc., to prepare an [[Environmental Impact Report]] on right-of-way acquisition and expansion of operations. With state and local funding, the PCJPB bought the railroad right of way between San Francisco and San Jose from SP in 1991. As [[SamTrans]] advanced most of the local fund used to purchased the right-of-way, it was also agreed that SamTrans would serve as the managing agency until San Francisco and Santa Clara Counties could repay their portions. The following year, PCJPB took responsibility for CalTrain operations and selected [[Amtrak]] as the contract operator. PCJPB extended the CalTrain service from [[San Jose, California|San Jose]] to [[Gilroy, California|Gilroy]], connecting to [[VTA light rail]] at [[Tamien station]] in San Jose.

In July 1995, CalTrain became accessible to passengers with wheelchairs. Five months later, CalTrain increased the bicycle limit to 24 per train, making the service attractive to commuters in bicycle-friendly cities such as San Francisco and [[Palo Alto]].

In July 1997, the current logo was adopted, and the official name became Caltrain, dropping the capitalized "T".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pimentel, Benjamin |date=June 30, 1997 |title=A New Look for Caltrain / Critics want better service instead of cosmetic changes |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/A-New-Look-for-Caltrain-Critics-want-better-2819863.php |access-date=April 4, 2017}}</ref>

In 1998, the [[San Francisco Municipal Railway]] extended the [[N Judah]] line from Market Street to the San Francisco Caltrain Station at 4th and King streets, providing a direct connection between Caltrain and the [[Muni Metro]] system. A year later, [[Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority|VTA]] extended its light rail service from north Santa Clara to the [[Downtown Mountain View station|Mountain View station]]. Starting in 1999, Caltrain reconstructed several stations and upgraded tracks and level crossings under the "Ponderosa Project".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caltrain.com/caltrain/pond_what.html |title=Ponderosa: What Is It? |date=July 5, 2000 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010411231258/http://www.caltrain.com/caltrain/pond_what.html |archive-date=April 11, 2001 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In June 2003, a passenger connection for the [[Bay Area Rapid Transit|Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)]] and Caltrain systems opened at [[Millbrae station]] just south of the [[San Francisco International Airport]].<ref name="caltrain history">{{Cite web |title=History – Caltrain Milestones |url=http://www.caltrain.com/caltrain_history.html |access-date=April 9, 2008 |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref>

In 2008, Caltrain reached an all-time high of 98 trains each weekday.

Caltrain announced on August 19, 2011, a staff recommendation to sign a five-year, $62.5 million contract with [[TransitAmerica Services]], after taking proposals from three other firms, including Amtrak California, which had provided operating employees since 1992.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caltrain may drop Amtrak, switch to new conductor provider |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/san-mateo-county/ci_18714086 |access-date=November 30, 2011 |website=[[The Mercury News]]|date=August 18, 2011 }}</ref> The new operating contract was approved by the full Joint Powers Board at its scheduled September 1 meeting. TransitAmerica Services took over not only the conductor and engineer jobs on the trains, but also dispatching and maintenance of equipment, track, and right-of-way from Amtrak. On May 26, 2012, TransitAmerica took over full operations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jobs |url=http://www.caltrain.com/about/Jobs.html |access-date=June 12, 2012}}</ref>

===Baby Bullet service===
{{main|Caltrain Express}}
[[File:Caltrain_JPBX_927_at_Palo_Alto_station.JPG|thumb|right|Baby Bullet service was originally provided by [[MPI MPXpress#MP36PH-3C|MPI MP36PH-3C]] locomotives; they have since been replaced by new electric train sets, but still see service on the South County Connector.]]
In June 2004, Caltrain finished its two-year CTX ([[Caltrain Express]]) project for a new express service called the '''Baby Bullet'''. The project entailed new bypass tracks in [[Brisbane, California|Brisbane]] and [[Sunnyvale, California|Sunnyvale]] as well as a new [[centralized traffic control]] system. The Baby Bullet trains reduced travel time by stopping at only four or five stations between San Francisco and San Jose [[Diridon station]]; the express trains could overtake local trains at the two locations (near [[Bayshore station (Caltrain)|Bayshore]] and [[Lawrence station (Caltrain)|Lawrence]] stations) where [[passing loop]]s were added. Travel time for about 46.75 miles between San Francisco and San Jose is 57 minutes (four stops), 59 minutes (five stops) or 61 minutes (six stops), compared to 1 hour 30 minutes for local trains. The Baby Bullets have the same top speed of {{convert|79|mph|abbr=on}} as other trains, but fewer stops save time. The CTX project included the purchase of new [[Bombardier BiLevel Coach]]es along with [[MPI MPXpress#MP36PH-3C|MPI MP36PH-3C]] locomotives.<ref name="Baby Bullet">{{Cite web |title=Baby Bullet Information |url=http://www.caltrain.com/info_baby_bullet.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018224640/http://www.caltrain.com/info_baby_bullet.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=October 18, 2007 |access-date=April 9, 2008 |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref> The Baby Bullets proved popular, but many riders had longer commutes on non-bullet trains, some of which would wait for Baby Bullet trains to pass.<ref name="SFGate">{{Cite news |last=Cabanatuan |first=Michael |date=June 8, 2004 |title=Bully for Baby Bullet, riders say |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/06/08/BAGQR72FFA1.DTL&type=news |access-date=April 9, 2008}}</ref>

===Budget crises===
In May 2005 Caltrain started a series of fare increases and schedule changes in response to a projected budget shortfall. The frequency of the popular Baby Bullet express trains was increased; two express trains were added in May and another ten were added in August. New Baby Bullet stops, '''Pattern B''' stops, were introduced. Another increase of $0.25 in basic fare came in January 2006.

On April 2, 2010, Caltrain announced the need to cut its services by around 50%, as it was required to cut $30 million from its $97 million budget because all three authorities that fund the line were facing financial problems themselves and $10 million a year in previous state funding had been cut. Revenues for both local and state agencies had been steadily declining, as well as ticket revenues at Caltrain itself, and had left all "beyond broke."<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2, 2010 |title=Caltrain broke, major cuts planned |url=http://www.trains.com/trn/default.aspx?c=a&id=6603&r=rss |access-date=April 2, 2010 |website=[[Trains (magazine)|Trains]]}}</ref>

On January 1, 2011, Caltrain cut four midday trains but upgraded four weekend trains to Baby Bullet service as a pilot program. This reduced its schedule from 90 to 86 trains each weekday. At the same time, it raised fares $0.25 and continued to contemplate cutting weekday service to 48 trains during commute hours only.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2011 |title=Caltrain Faces $30M Budget Shortfall and Drastic Service Cuts |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Page753.aspx |access-date=November 30, 2011 |publisher=Caltrain.com}}</ref> By April 2011, Caltrain's board had approved a budget with fare increases to take effect on July 1, 2011, and no service cuts. The budget gap would be closed with another $0.25 fare increase, a $1 parking fee increase to $4, and additional money from other transit agencies and the MTC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caltrain board OKs budget that keeps all trains running, all stations open – San Jose Mercury News |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_17903495?nclick_check=1 |access-date=November 30, 2011 |website=Mercurynews.com| date=April 21, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crosson |first=Anastasia |date=May 12, 2011 |title=Caltrain Funding Reconfigured – Burlingame, CA Patch |url=http://burlingame.patch.com/articles/caltrain-funding-reconfigured |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812232233/http://burlingame.patch.com/articles/caltrain-funding-reconfigured |archive-date=August 12, 2011 |access-date=November 30, 2011 |publisher=Burlingame.patch.com }}</ref>

On February 17, 2017, California State Senator [[Jerry Hill (politician)|Jerry Hill]] introduced SB 797, which would permit the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board to submit a regional measure for sales tax increase of {{frac|1|8}}th of one cent to the voters in the three counties served by Caltrain.<ref name="SB797-2017">{{Cite web |last=Hill, Jerry |date=June 21, 2017 |title=Senate Bill No. 797: An act to add Chapter 2.95 (commencing with Section 7286.65) to Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, relating to transportation. |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB797 |access-date=June 28, 2017 |publisher=California Secretary of State}}</ref> The regional measure would require a two-thirds majority (aggregated among the three counties) to pass, and would provide Caltrain with a dedicated revenue source estimated at $100&nbsp;million per year.<ref name="SJMN-170622">{{Cite news |last=Murphy, Katy |date=June 22, 2017 |title=New sales tax for Caltrain? A 1/8-cent levy is in the works |work=San Jose Mercury News |agency=Bay Area News Group |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/22/new-sales-tax-for-caltrain-a-18-cent-levy-is-in-the-works/ |access-date=June 28, 2017}}</ref> For comparison, in fiscal year 2016 (ending June 30, 2016), the operating expenses for Caltrain were $118&nbsp;million, and farebox revenues were $87&nbsp;million,<ref name=2016CAFR /> leaving approximately $31&nbsp;million in expenses to be funded by the PCJPB through its member agencies and county government contributions. SB 797 passed the [[California State Senate]] in May, and the [[California State Assembly|State Assembly]] in September,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murphy, Katy |date=September 1, 2017 |title=Voters, get ready for a Caltrain sales tax measure |work=San Jose Mercury News |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/01/voters-get-ready-for-a-caltrain-sales-tax-measure/ |access-date=September 4, 2017}}</ref> and Governor Brown signed the bill into law in October.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 11, 2017 |title=Brown signs two transit tax laws |work=San Mateo Daily Journal |url=http://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/brown-signs-two-transit-tax-laws/article_895bab9a-ae38-11e7-8c99-4f1b747cd6ec.html |access-date=October 11, 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Bayshore Freeway in San Mateo.jpg|thumb|right|Caltrain parallels and provides an alternative to the congested [[Bayshore Freeway]] ([[U.S. Route 101 in California|US 101]]), seen here in San Mateo near Hillsdale Boulevard (2005)]]
Advocates for the increased tax cited its potential benefits to alleviate congestion along [[U.S. Route 101 in California|U.S. Route 101]], which [[Carl Guardino]] quipped "has become so congested that we've changed its name to the '101 Parking Lot'."<ref name="SFE-170621">{{Cite news |last=Rodriguez, Joe Fitzgerald |date=June 21, 2017 |title=Legislators propose sales tax to help fund Caltrain |work=San Francisco Examiner |url=http://www.sfexaminer.com/legislators-propose-sales-tax-help-fund-caltrain/ |access-date=June 28, 2017}}</ref> Detractors pointed to Caltrain's bureaucracy and stated fares should be increased to improve services instead.<ref name=SJMN-170622 /> A poll of 1,200 voters in early May indicated support was strong enough to pass the sales tax increase,<ref name="SJMN-170626">{{Cite news |last=Avalos, George |date=June 26, 2017 |title=Poll: Caltrain sales tax hike draws huge voter support |work=San Jose Mercury News |agency=Bay Area News Group |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/26/caltrain-sales-tax-proposal-draws-huge-voter-support-poll/ |access-date=June 28, 2017}}</ref> if the tax would result in expanding ridership capacity.<ref name="SMDJ-170626">{{Cite news |last=Weigel, Samantha |date=June 26, 2017 |title=Poll: Support for Caltrain tax |work=San Mateo Daily Journal |url=https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/poll-support-for-caltrain-tax/article_2c2a80c4-5a9e-11e7-8599-5f3105304855.html |access-date=June 28, 2017}}</ref> The poll was sponsored by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG), headed by Guardino, which predicted that daily ridership could rise to 250,000 with the improvements in service funded by the dedicated sales tax increase.<ref name=SJMN-170626 /> Potential capital projects which could use the dedicated funding include additional electric multiple units (making electric trains 8-EMU consists, rather than 6-EMU), extended boarding platforms, and the proposed Downtown Rail Extension (now known as [[The Portal (San Francisco)|The Portal]]) to the Salesforce Transit Center.<ref name=SMDJ-170626 /> A dedicated tax was proposed in 2011, contemporaneously with the prior budget crisis, but polls at the time indicated insufficient support. After SVLG's May 2017 poll indicated strong support, they petitioned Hill to act.<ref name=SMDJ-170626 />

By early 2020, the joint powers board was planning to propose a one-eighth-cent sales tax for voter approval later in the year, to provide an estimated ${{format price|108000000}} of dedicated funding for the system, which currently relies on rider fares for 70% of its revenue. This funding would have enabled Caltrain to run 168 trains per weekday, with rush-hour headways of 10&nbsp;minutes, with the completion of electrification in 2022. [[Bay Area Rapid Transit|BART]]-like service levels were projected to increase ridership significantly.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Savidge |first=Nico |date=April 3, 2020 |title=New levy would fund more frequent trains |work=The Mercury News |location=San Jose, California |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/04/03/new-tax-for-caltrain-measure-this-fall-could-fund-trains-every-10-minutes/ |access-date=August 6, 2020}}</ref>

In March 2020, Caltrain's ridership dropped by 95% due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]], resulting in losses of ${{format price|9000000}} per month. The joint powers board recast the sales tax proposal as a way to keep the system afloat. Due to the COVID-19 measures and subsequent loss of approximately 75% of its ridership, Caltrain discontinued Baby Bullet service starting March 17, 2020.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain to Adjust Service in Response to Significantly Lower Ridership |date=March 13, 2020 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/news/Caltrain_to_Adjust_Service_in_Response_to_Significantly_Lower_Ridership.html |access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> Two weeks later, due to continued loss of ridership, Caltrain further cut service from 92 to 42 trains per weekday, starting March 30.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain to Implement Additional Weekday Service Reductions |date=March 26, 2020 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/news/Caltrain_to_Implement_Additional_Weekday_Service_Reductions.html |access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> Average weekday ridership plummeted from approximately 65,000 (pre-pandemic) to 1,300. By June 15, service was increased to 70 trains per weekday, and limited (skip-stop) service was reinstated;<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain Increases Weekday Service as Region Reopens |date=June 10, 2020 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/news/Caltrain_Increases_Weekday_Service_as_Region_Reopens.html |access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> later that month, ridership had recovered to 3,200 per weekday.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain Ridership Increases as Bay Area Returns to Work |date=June 29, 2020 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/news/Caltrain_Ridership_Increases_as_Bay_Area_Returns_to_Work.html |access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> In July, after the [[San Francisco Board of Supervisors]] initially declined to consider the ballot proposal, citing concerns about the system's governance structure, Caltrain officials warned that the agency would run out of operating funds and be forced to suspend service by the end of the year.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Swan |first=Rachel |date=July 14, 2020 |title=Caltrain might have to shut down after supervisors scuttle sales tax measure |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Caltrain-says-future-hangs-in-balance-as-SF-supes-15408435.php |access-date=July 15, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Swan |first=Rachel |date=July 15, 2020 |title=Caltrain derailed: Advocates predict shutdown would mean disaster for Bay Area |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Caltrain-derailed-Advocates-predict-shutdown-15411557.php |access-date=July 15, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Savidge |first=Nico |date=July 15, 2020 |title=Caltrain shutdown? Once-unthinkable becomes possible |work=The Mercury News |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/07/15/could-caltrain-shut-down-why-the-once-unthinkable-is-now-a-real-possibility/ |access-date=July 15, 2020}}</ref> In August, San Mateo County officials agreed to make Caltrain more independent from [[SamTrans]] in exchange for placing the sales tax on the ballot.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Savidge |first=Nico |date=August 6, 2020 |title=Last-minute deal saves Caltrain tax. Will voters support it? |work=The Mercury News |location=San Jose, California |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/08/06/last-minute-deal-saves-caltrain-tax-measure-will-voters-support-it/ |access-date=August 6, 2020}}</ref> In November 2020, Measure RR passed which created dedicated funding of a one-eighth cent sales tax.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burruto |first=David |date=November 5, 2020 |title=Voters save Caltrain with Measure RR passage in all three counties |url=https://bos.smcgov.org/blog/2021-01-26/voters-save-caltrain-measure-rr-passage-all-three-counties |access-date=January 28, 2021 |website=County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors}}</ref> The schedule was adjusted again starting December 14, with slightly fewer weekday trains (68) but more frequent off-peak and weekend service to support essential workers.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain Implements New Service Changes and Permanently Closes Atherton Station |date=December 7, 2020 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/news/Caltrain_Implements_New_Service_Changes_and_Permanently_Closes_Atherton_Station.html |access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>

The number of weekday trains returned to 70 starting March 22, 2021, and the schedule was adjusted to facilitate transfers to BART at Millbrae.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain Implements Service Changes to Maintain Regional Connections and Improve Service |date=March 16, 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/news/Caltrain_Implements_Service_Changes_to_Maintain_Regional_Connections_and_Improve_Service.html |access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> Caltrain began operation with a new schedule that exceeds pre-pandemic service on August 30, 2021; there are 104 trains operated per weekday, including reinstated Baby Bullet service. Headways for popular stations are as low as 15 minutes during peak commute hours (6–9&nbsp;a.m. and 4–7&nbsp;p.m.) and 30 minutes throughout the day before 11&nbsp;p.m. for most stations. The separate Saturday and Sunday schedules were consolidated into a single weekend schedule with 32 trains per weekend day. All stations have a maximum headway of 60 minutes, including weekends, except for a 90–120 minute gap between the earliest weekend trains. In addition, fares were cut in half for September.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain to Run More Service than Ever, Cut Fares 50% |date=August 13, 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/news/Caltrain_to_Run_More_Service_than_Ever__Cut_Fares_50_.html |access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>

Gilroy service was increased to four weekday round trips on September 25, 2023.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-operate-new-schedule-starting-fall |title=Caltrain to Operate New Schedule Starting this Fall |date=September 13, 2023 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref>

===Modernization and electrification===
{{main|Caltrain Modernization Program}}
The Caltrain Modernization Program [[Railway electrification system|electrified the main line]] between San Francisco and the San Jose [[Tamien station]], allowing transition from [[diesel-electric locomotive]] power to electric rolling stock.<ref name="MassTransitMag">{{Cite journal |last=Bartholemew |first=Tasha |date=April 21, 2016 |title=Modernization: Electrifying the Bay Area's Silicon Valley Rail Corridor |url=http://www.masstransitmag.com/article/12186524/caltrain-modernization-program-to-electrify-bay-areas-silicon-valley-rail-corridor |journal=Mass Transit Magazine |access-date=May 17, 2016}}</ref> Proponents said electrification would improve service times via faster acceleration, allow better scheduling and reduce air pollution and noise. Electrification would also allow future expansion to downtown San Francisco.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2013 |title=Peninsula Corridor Electrification – Fact Sheet |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/Caltrain+Modernization+Program/Electrification+Documents/Peninsula+Corridor+Electrification+Fact+Sheet-May+2013.pdf |access-date=October 26, 2013 |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref> Electrified vehicles require less maintenance, but electrification will increase required track maintenance by about the same dollar amount, at least initially. The plan called to electrify the system between [[San Francisco 4th and King Street station]] and San Jose [[Tamien station]]. Originally scheduled for completion by 2020,<ref name="MassTransitMag" /><ref>{{Cite journal |date=June 3, 2016 |title=Caltrain approves FY 2017 operating and capital budgets |url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/commuter-regional/caltrain-approves-fy-2017-operating-and-capital-budgets.html?channel=55 |journal=Railway Age |access-date=June 5, 2016}}</ref> the first [[electric multiple unit]] services started on August 11, 2024,<ref name="elecsoft">{{cite press release|title=Caltrain Welcomes First Passengers on New Electric Trains|publisher=Caltrain|location=San Carlos, California|date=August 10, 2024|accessdate=August 10, 2024|url=https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-welcomes-first-passengers-new-electric-trains}}</ref> with full electrification achieved and diesel trains retired on September 21, 2024.<ref name="elecfull">{{cite press release|title=The Future of Caltrain is Here|publisher=Caltrain|location=San Carlos, California|date=September 21, 2024|accessdate=September 21, 2024|url=https://www.caltrain.com/launchparty}}</ref>

The electrification project between San Francisco and Tamien is the first phase, the second phase being from Tamien station to [[Gilroy station|Gilroy]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2006 |title=Caltrain Electrification Status Report, April 2006 Board Meeting |url=http://www.caltrain.com/ppt/Electrification%20-%20%20Pres%20stills%20April%202006.ppt |publisher=Caltrain |format=MS PowerPoint}}</ref> Cost, excluding electric rolling stock, for the first phase was estimated at $471 million (2006 dollars). By 2016, costs had increased to $1.7 billion.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Meacham |first=Jody |date=March 4, 2016 |title=Caltrain CEO denies report that electrification project faces possible delay |publisher=[[American City Business Journals]] |agency=Silicon Valley Business Journal |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2016/03/04/high-speed-rail-bond-snag-could-delay-caltrains.html |access-date=May 17, 2016}}</ref> Notably, in 2021, Caltrain stated that the overall cost of electrification had risen to $2.44 billion.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Cost of Caltrain Electrification Increases, Project on Track for 2024 |publisher=Caltrain |date=December 6, 2021 |url=https://www.caltrain.com/news/cost-caltrain-electrification-increases-project-track-2024}}</ref> As part of the Caltrain Modernization Program and mandated by the federal government, [[positive train control|positive train control (PTC)]] was installed along the route between San Francisco and San Jose by late 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2015 |title=Advanced Signal System Installation Fact Sheet |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/Caltrain+Modernization+Program/CBOSS+PTC/Installation+Fact+Sheet.pdf |access-date=May 26, 2015 |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref>

Caltrain planned to use lighter [[electric multiple unit]]s that do not comply with the [[Federal Railroad Administration]] (FRA) [[crashworthiness]] standards, but instead comply with the [[International Union of Railways]] (UIC) standards, on the electrified lines. The FRA granted Caltrain a waiver to operate these units, which were previously banned on mixed-use lines with other FRA-compliant rolling stock due to concerns over crashworthiness, after Caltrain submitted simulation data showing UIC-compliant rolling stock performed no worse or even better than FRA-compliant rolling stock in crashes.<ref name="narp">{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2010 |title=Hotline #656 |url=http://www.narprail.org/cms/index.php/hotline/more/hotline_656/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716181308/http://www.narprail.org/cms/index.php/hotline/more/hotline_656/ |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |access-date=June 11, 2010 |publisher=National Association of Railroad Passengers }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rosenburg |first=Mike |date=May 27, 2010 |title=Electric train granted key waiver |work=[[San Jose Mercury News]] |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_15178764 |access-date=December 6, 2014}}</ref> Caltrain plans to retain its newer diesel-electric rolling stock for use on the Dumbarton Extension and service south of Tamien.

[[File:Stadler KISS EMU delivery en route to Caltrain on Provo Subdivision at 1700 South, Salt Lake City, May 2021.jpg|thumb|Stadler KISS for Caltrain near the U.S. assembly plant in Salt Lake City]]
Caltrain awarded the [[Railroad electrification in the United States|electrification]] and [[Electric multiple unit|EMU]] contracts at the July 7, 2016, PCJPB board meeting to [[Balfour Beatty]] and [[Stadler Rail]], respectively,<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 8, 2016 |title=Caltrain awards electrification, EMU contracts |work=William C. Vantuono |publisher=[[Railway Age]] |url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/intercity/caltrain-awards-electrification-emu-contracts.html}}</ref> signaling the start of modernization efforts that will make Caltrain more akin to rapid-transit services such as [[Bay Area Rapid Transit]] (BART) than traditional commuter services, and allow the future [[California High-Speed Rail]] trains to reach San Francisco utilizing Caltrain tracks. In August 2016, Caltrain ordered sixteen six-car double-decker [[Stadler Kiss|Stadler KISS]] electric multiple unit sets from Stadler Rail.<ref name="Stadler">{{Cite web |title=Stadler Awarded Contract for 16 Double-Decker Trains by Caltrain |url=https://wwwstadlerrailcom-live-01e96f7.s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/filer_public/1d/12/1d127b4f-0b56-44d6-89af-87c17fb6ee4f/2016_0815_medienmitteilung_caltrain_en.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921015708/https://wwwstadlerrailcom-live-01e96f7.s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/filer_public/1d/12/1d127b4f-0b56-44d6-89af-87c17fb6ee4f/2016_0815_medienmitteilung_caltrain_en.pdf |archive-date=September 21, 2016 |access-date=August 23, 2016}}</ref> The price is $166m for the 16 units, or $551m including an option of 96 more EMU cars.

However, the plans for an electrified Caltrain were put in jeopardy in February 2017 by the [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]] when [[United States Secretary of Transportation|US Secretary of Transportation]] [[Elaine Chao]] decided to indefinitely delay granting the federal funding for the Caltrain electrification project that had been approved by the Obama administration.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 17, 2017 |title=Local Trump administration deals a big setback to Caltrain |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |url=http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Trump-administration-deals-a-big-setback-to-10941880.php |access-date=March 5, 2017}}</ref> One month later, in March 2017, the [[American Public Transportation Association]] (APTA) sent a letter to Secretary Chao calling the Caltrain delay "concerning." In more than two decades, the APTA wrote, "no project has failed to secure final signature after successfully meeting evaluation criteria."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Eilperin, Janet |date=April 22, 2017 |title=Though shovels are ready, Trump officials delay grant for Caltrain upgrade |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/though-shovels-are-ready-trump-officials-delay-grant-for-caltrain-upgrade/2017/04/22/013ee458-160c-11e7-ada0-1489b735b3a3_story.html |access-date=April 23, 2017}}</ref> In February 2017,<ref name="D">{{Cite news |date=December 21, 2017 |title=Safety feature missing from Amtrak train that crashed in Washington state and Caltrain |work=[[Palo Alto Daily Post]] |url=https://padailypost.com/2017/12/21/safety-feature-missing-from-amtrak-train-that-crashed-in-washington-state-and-caltrain/ |access-date=December 8, 2018}}</ref> Caltrain fired Parsons Transportation Group and sued them for delays in designing the custom technologies necessary for the PTC system. They then went on to sign a contract with [[Wabtec]], who would offer them the industry-standard PTC system.<ref name="C">{{Cite news |date=December 7, 2018 |title=Caltrain misses another deadline to install safety system |work=[[Palo Alto Daily Post]] |url=https://padailypost.com/2018/12/07/caltrain-misses-another-deadline-to-install-safety-system/ |access-date=December 8, 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Caltrain Electrification Groundbreaking (35843566623).jpg|thumb|right|Groundbreaking for electrification project, July 21, 2017]]
On April 30, legislators in the [[United States Congress]] included $100 million for the Caltrain electrification project in the proposed 2017 federal spending bill, which was signed into law by President Trump on May 6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2017 |url=https://rules.house.gov/sites/republicans.rules.house.gov/files/115/OMNI/DIVISION%20K%20-%20THUD%20SOM%20OCR%20FY17.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502011347/https://rules.house.gov/sites/republicans.rules.house.gov/files/115/OMNI/DIVISION%20K%20-%20THUD%20SOM%20OCR%20FY17.pdf |archive-date=May 2, 2017 |access-date=May 2, 2017 |publisher=U.S. House of Representatives}}</ref> The $100&nbsp;million represents the federal funding for fiscal year 2017 of the total $647&nbsp;million grant, with the balance expected in future years. Secretary Chao claimed she could not sign the grant without the full grant being budgeted, which was disputed by Caltrain and both California Senators [[Dianne Feinstein]] and [[Kamala Harris]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tolan, Casey |date=May 17, 2017 |title=Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao says she can't approve Caltrain electrification grant yet |work=San Jose Mercury News |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/17/elaine-chao-caltrain-grant-hearing/ |access-date=May 19, 2017}}</ref> On May 22, the FTA announced its intent to sign the funding grant, restoring the final piece of funding for the electrification project.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rodriguez, Joe Fitzgerald |date=May 22, 2017 |title=Feds flip, will approve funding for Caltrain electrification |work=San Francisco Examiner |url=http://www.sfexaminer.com/feds-flip-will-approve-funding-caltrain-electrification/ |access-date=May 22, 2017 |archive-date=May 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523152650/http://www.sfexaminer.com/feds-flip-will-approve-funding-caltrain-electrification/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The official grant was finally signed on May 23,<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 23, 2017 |title=It's officially done. Caltrain's GM, Jim Hartnett, signed the FFGA @USDOT this morning. |work=Official Caltrain [[Twitter]] Account |url=https://twitter.com/Caltrain/status/867083183820611584 |access-date=May 28, 2017}}</ref> and Caltrain broke ground for the [[Caltrain Modernization Program|Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project]] on July 21, 2017, in a ceremony attended by local and state officials at the Millbrae station.<ref name="SFC-170721">{{Cite news |last=Cabanatuan, Michael |date=July 21, 2017 |title=Caltrain electrification project takes symbolic step forward |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Caltrain-electrification-project-takes-symbolic-11306490.php |access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref>

In December 2018, it was reported that Caltrain was again behind schedule in installing PTC for the rail corridor,<ref name="C" /> and had requested a two-year extension.<ref name="E">{{Cite news |last=Rachel Swan |date=December 5, 2018 |title=Safety systems running late as railroads, including Caltrain, request extensions |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Safety-system-delayed-again-as-railroads-13442788.php |access-date=December 8, 2018}}</ref> The Federal Railroad Administration certified Caltrain's PTC project in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=CaltrainPositive Train Control Project Certified by FRA |date=January 11, 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/news/Caltrain_Positive_Train_Control_Project_Certified_by_FRA.html |access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> The first electric trainset was shipped to the [[Transportation Technology Center]] for testing in February 2021.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain's First Electric Trainset Shipped to Colorado for Testing |date=February 26, 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/news/Caltrain_s_First_Electric_Trainset_Shipped_to_Colorado_for_Testing.html |access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> In June 2021, Caltrain announced the start of revenue service with electric multiple units would be delayed to late 2024.<ref name="june2021">{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain Electrification Delayed to 2024 |date=June 3, 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/news/Caltrain_Electrification_Delayed_to_2024.html}}</ref>

In February 2022, the last foundation required for the new overhead catenary system was completed, with the entire line planned to be energized by summer 2022. Testing of the line would then begin using a [[EMD AEM-7|AEM-7]] electric locomotive, with revenue service planned for 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2022 |title=Final foundation laid on Caltrain electrification project |url=https://www.railjournal.com/infrastructure/final-foundation-laid-on-caltrain-electrification-project/ |access-date=February 4, 2022 |website=International Railway Journal |language=en}}</ref> On March 10, 2022, a southbound train struck a contractor's crane in San Bruno, injuring 13 people.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Whiting |first=Sam |date=March 10, 2022 |title=13 injured in fiery crash on Caltrain tracks in San Bruno |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Caltrain-strikes-vehicle-in-San-Bruno-injuring-16992493.php}}</ref>[[File:Caltrain Train 145 departing from Tamien, September 20, 2024.webm|thumb|right|The last scheduled diesel trainset from San Jose to San Francisco on September 20, 2024]]

Caltrain began public operation of its electrified trainsets on August 11, 2024, with two trainsets, adding more each week until the full rollout of electric service between San Francisco and Tamien on September 21.<ref name="elecsoft" /><ref name="elecfull" /> As part of the transition, a new schedule was implemented.<ref name="Electric Schedule">{{Cite web |title=Caltrain Releases Electrified Schedule|url=https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-releases-electrified-schedule |date=August 26, 2024}}</ref> The new schedule provides for 104 trains on weekdays (52 in each direction) between San Francisco and San Jose Diridon, with local service running every 30 minutes, and alternating trains continuing to Tamien.<ref name="Electric Weekday schedule">{{Cite web |title=Caltrain September 2024 weekday schedule |url=https://www.caltrain.com/media/33909}}</ref> During weekday rush hours, local service is supplemented by express (stopping only at 22nd Street, South San Francisco, Millbrae, San Mateo, Hillsdale, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Mountain View and Sunnyvale) and limited-stop trains (running express between San Francisco and Redwood City, then local between Redwood City and San Jose). Diesel trains continue to be used for South County Connector service between San Jose and Gilroy, with 4 trains in each direction, with these trains scheduled to provide [[Cross-platform interchange#Coordinated|timed cross-platform transfers]]  to and from limited-stop or express electric trains at Diridon. Weekend service was doubled to 66 trains (33 in each direction), with local service running every 30 minutes between San Francisco and San Jose Diridon, and alternating trains continuing to Tamien.<ref name="Electric Weekend schedule">{{Cite web |title=Caltrain September 2024 weekend schedule |url=https://www.caltrain.com/media/33908}}</ref>

===Grade separation===
[[File:Different Caltrain2.JPG|thumb|At-grade crossing at Meadow Drive in [[Palo Alto, California]] (2005)]]
{{as of|February 2021}}, there were 41 vehicular at-grade crossings remaining along the PCJPB-owned right-of-way from San Francisco to Tamien:<ref name=CCGCS-background>{{cite web |url=https://www.caltrain.com/media/90/download |title=Background on Caltrain Corridor Grade Crossings and Separations |date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=WPLP Committee |website=Caltrain |access-date=May 8, 2023}}</ref>{{rp|13}}
* 2 in San Francisco: [[The Portal (San Francisco)#The Railyard Alternatives and I-280 Boulevard Feasibility Study|Mission Bay Dr, 16th St]]<ref name=PAX-SFCTA>{{cite web |url=https://www.sfcta.org/projects/pennsylvania-avenue-extension |title=Pennsylvania Avenue Extension |publisher=San Francisco County Transportation Authority |access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref>
* 29 in San Mateo County
** South San Francisco: Linden Ave<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ssf.net/departments/public-works/engineering-division/capital-improvement-program/so-linden-ave-grade-sep |title=So. Linden Ave Grade Sep |publisher=City of South San Francisco, California |access-date=May 8, 2023}}</ref>
** San Bruno: Scott St<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sanbruno.ca.gov/437/S-Linden-Avenue-Scott-Street-Grade-Separ |title=S Linden Avenue & Scott Street Grade Separation Project |publisher=City of San Bruno, California |access-date=May 8, 2023}}</ref>
** Millbrae: Center St
** Burlingame: [[Broadway station (Caltrain)#Future plans|Broadway]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.burlingame.org/business_detail_T54_R64.php |title=Broadway Grade Separation, City Project No. 82540 |publisher=City of Burlingame |access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref> Oak Grove, North Lane, Howard Ave, Bayswater, Peninsula{{Efn-lr|Located on the border of Burlingame and San Mateo|name=Peninsula}}
** San Mateo: Peninsula,{{Efn-lr|name=Peninsula}} Villa Terrace, Bellevue, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th
** Redwood City: Whipple, Brewster, Broadway, Maple, Main, Chestnut<ref name=CGS-RWC>{{cite web |url=https://www.redwoodcity.org/city-hall/current-projects/infrastructure-projects?id=140 |title=Caltrain Grade Separation Feasibility Study |publisher=City of Redwood City |access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref>
<!--Future grade-separated pedestrian xing in North Fair Oaks:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smcsustainability.org/nfowalkbike |title=North Fair Oaks Bicycle and Pedestrian Railroad Crossing and Community Connections Study |publisher=Office of Sustainability, County of San Mateo |access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref>-->
** Atherton: Fair Oaks Ln, Watkins
** Menlo Park: Encinal, Glenwood, Oak Grove, Ravenswood<ref name=CGS-MP>{{cite web |url=https://menlopark.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works/Capital-improvement-projects/Caltrain-grade-separation |title=Caltrain grade separation |publisher=City of Menlo Park |access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref>
* 10 in Santa Clara County
** Palo Alto: Palo Alto, Churchill, Meadow, Charleston<ref name=CPA-PA>{{cite web |url=https://connectingpaloalto.com/ |title=Connecting Palo Alto: Designing our rail corridor for the future |publisher=City of Palo Alto |access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref>
** Mountain View: [[San Antonio station (Caltrain)#Rengstorff grade crossing project|Rengstorff Ave]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mountainview.gov/depts/pw/projects/rengstorff_avenue_grade_separation_project.asp |title=Rengstorff Avenue Grade Separation Project |publisher=City of Mountain View |access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref> [[Downtown Mountain View station#Castro grade crossing project|Castro St]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mountainview.gov/depts/pw/projects/castro_grade_separation_and_access_project_(gsap).asp |title=Castro Grade Separation and Access Project (GSAP) |publisher=City of Mountain View |access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref>
** Sunnyvale: Mary, Sunnyvale<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/business-and-development/projects-in-sunnyvale/infrastructure-projects/caltrain-grade-separation |title=Caltrain Grade Separation |publisher=City of Sunnyvale |access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref>
** San Jose: Auzerais, West Virginia<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.diridonsj.org/disc |title=Diridon Integrated Station Concept Plan |publisher=City of San Jose |access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref>

In addition, there are 28 more at-grade crossings in Santa Clara County along the UP-owned right-of-way between Tamien and Gilroy, including crossings at Skyway Drive, Branham Lane, Chynoweth Avenue in south San Jose.<ref name=CCGCS-background/>

[[File:Old tracks at 25th Avenue, December 2020.jpg|thumb|right|Grade separation next to old tracks crossing 25th Avenue in [[San Mateo, California]] (2020)]]
The first grade separation project under PCJPB was completed in 1994, building a flyover for Oyster Point Boulevard in South San Francisco.<ref name=CCGCS-background/>{{rp|10}} Additional grade separations were completed in 1995 (Fifth Ave in North Fair Oaks, depressed under rails), 1996 (Millbrae Ave in Millbrae, elevated above rails), and 1999 (Jefferson Ave in Redwood City, depressed under rails).<ref name=CCGCS-background/>{{rp|10}} Grade separation projects near the Belmont and San Carlos stations (for Ralston, Harbor, Holly, Brittan, and Howard) were completed in 1995, and 2000;<ref name=CCGCS-background/>{{rp|10}} these were "hybrid" crossings, executed as a combination of road depression and rails elevated on berms. The San Bruno station reconstruction was completed in 2014, separating the crossings at San Bruno, San Mateo, and Angus by elevating the rails on a long, curved berm.<ref name=CCGCS-background/>{{rp|10}} In 2021, a similar hybrid grade separation project ([[Hillsdale station (Caltrain)#Relocation|25th, 28th, and 31st Avenues in San Mateo]]) was completed near the Hillsdale station, which was relocated north during the grade separation.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.caltrain.com/projectsplans/Projects/Caltrain_Capital_Program/25th_Avenue_Grade_Separation/Hillsdale_Station_Opening.html |title=Hillsdale Station Opening |date=April 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref>

In 2018, gates were down for an average of approximately 11 minutes at each crossing during a typical peak weekday commute hour.<ref name=CCGCS-background/>{{rp|7}} The anticipated increase in rail traffic resulting from the completion of PCEP and implementation of CAHSR will result in additional road traffic delays for the remaining at-grade crossings along the Peninsula Corridor.

== Proposed plans ==

=== Integration with California High-Speed Rail ===

The Caltrain line from [[Gilroy, California|Gilroy]] to San Francisco is part of the planned route of the [[California High-Speed Rail]] line. With the adaptation of the preferred alternative in July 2019 on the San Jose to Gilroy HSR section, dedicated HSR tracks are planned south and east of Gilroy station, while CAHSR trains would use a "blended" service, sharing tracks with Caltrain between San Francisco and Gilroy. Blended service CAHSR trains would travel at speeds up to {{convert|110|mph}} between Gilroy and San Francisco, and higher HSR speeds up to {{convert|220|mph}} south and east of Gilroy.<ref name="BlendOp">{{Cite web |title=Caltrain/California HSR Blended Operations Analysis |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/Caltrain+Modernization+Program/Documents/Final-Caltrain-California+HSR+Blended+Operations+Analysis.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2016 |website=Caltrain.com |publisher=LTK Engineering Services |archive-date=November 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106225751/http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/Caltrain+Modernization+Program/Documents/Final-Caltrain-California+HSR+Blended+Operations+Analysis.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Downtown San Francisco extension ===

{{main|The Portal (San Francisco)}}
{{The Portal (San Francisco)}}
A {{convert|1.3|mi|abbr=on}} tunnel has been proposed to extend Caltrain from its north end in San Francisco at 4th and King to the newly built [[Salesforce Transit Center]],<ref name="Transbay Transit">{{Cite web |date=November 24, 2011 |title=Transbay Transit Center |url=http://www.transbayproject.org/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709062420/http://www.transbayproject.org/ |archive-date=July 9, 2011 |access-date=December 6, 2014 |publisher=Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA)}}</ref> closer to the [[Financial District (San Francisco)|job center]] of San Francisco and [[Bay Area Rapid Transit|BART]], [[San Francisco Municipal Railway|Muni]], Transbay [[AC Transit]] buses, and long-distance buses. {{As of|2012}}, only the structural "train box" below the Transbay Terminal had been funded and was being built.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transbay Transit Center/Caltrain Downtown Extension |url=http://www.sfcta.org/content/view/272/91 |access-date=June 14, 2012 |publisher=San Francisco County Transportation Authority}}</ref> In April 2012, the [[Metropolitan Transportation Commission (San Francisco Bay Area)|Metropolitan Transportation Commission]] decided to make the remainder of the $2.5 billion extension its top priority for federal funding.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Cabanatuan |first1=Michael |last2=Lee |first2=Stephanie M. |last3=Knight |first3=Heather |date=April 16, 2012 |title=Caltrain downtown extension gets top billing for top dollar |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/04/15/BAIA1O2L17.DTL}}</ref> The extension would also serve the [[California High-Speed Rail]] system.

An alternative proposal, by then-Mayor [[Ed Lee (politician)|Ed Lee]], would see the existing terminal and trains yards demolished, along with [[Interstate 280 (California)|Interstate 280]] in [[Mission Bay, San Francisco|Mission Bay]], and replaced with infill housing. Caltrain and high-speed rail would be extended to the Transbay Terminal in a new tunnel under [[Third Street (San Francisco)|Third Street]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Matier & Ross |date=May 11, 2015 |title=I-280 near Mission Bay would be razed in Caltrain tunnel plan |work=SFGate |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/I-280-near-Mission-Bay-would-be-razed-in-Caltrain-6254662.php |access-date=May 26, 2015}}</ref>

In April 2018, the alternative alignment through Mission Bay was rejected in favor of a revised alignment under Pennsylvania Avenue.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Cabanatuan |first1=Michael |last2=Dineen |first2=J.K. |date=April 22, 2018 |title=New, simpler plan for SF's downtown rail extension |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/New-simpler-plan-for-SF-s-downtown-rail-12855669.php |access-date=April 28, 2018}}</ref> The new alignment would ultimately join the original alignment near 4th and King Station while tunneling under Pennsylvania Avenue from near 25th Street. As of 2023, the revised extension is projected to cost $6.7 billion and could open for service as soon as 2032.<ref>{{Cite news|last=King|first=John|date=January 18, 2023|title=High-speed rail to downtown S.F. is back on track — but the price tag keeps going up|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/high-speed-rail-transit-17724143.php|work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|access-date=July 15, 2023}}</ref>

=== Dumbarton extension ===

{{main|Dumbarton Rail Corridor}}

Caltrain has been chosen to provide [[commuter rail]] service on a to-be-rebuilt [[Dumbarton Rail Corridor]] across the [[San Francisco Bay]] between the Peninsula and [[Alameda County, California|Alameda County]] in the [[East Bay (California)|East Bay]]. This project would add four stations to the Caltrain system: [[Union City, California|Union City]], [[Fremont, California|Fremont-Centerville]], [[Newark, California|Newark]], and [[Menlo Park, California|Menlo Park]]/[[East Palo Alto, California|East Palo Alto]]. The two obsolete swing bridges along the corridor would be replaced.<ref name="Dumbarton Rail Corridor">{{Cite web |title=Dumbarton Rail Corridor |url=http://www.smcta.com/Dumbarton_Rail/information.asp |access-date=January 24, 2007 |publisher=San Mateo County Transportation Authority |archive-date=April 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417143948/http://www.smcta.com/Dumbarton_Rail/information.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> Dumbarton Rail was scheduled to start construction in 2009 after a 30-month environmental review and begin service in 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Winegarner |first=Beth |date=June 28, 2006 |title=Finish date for Dumbarton rail plan pushed back to 2012 |work=[[San Francisco Examiner]]}}</ref> [[SamTrans]], one of Caltrain's member agencies, already owns the right-of-way for the [[Dumbarton Rail Bridge]]. The bridge has not been used since 1982, when it was still owned by [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]], and about 33% of the bridge collapsed due to an arson fire in 1998. However, the project's estimated cost doubled between 2004 and 2006, to US$600 million,<ref name="PADN_Dumbarton">{{Cite news |last=Albach |first=Banks |date=November 16, 2006 |title=Officials delve into Dumbarton puzzle |work=[[Palo Alto Daily News]] |url=http://www.paloaltodailynews.com/article/2006-11-16-mp-rail}}</ref> and is financially problematic.<ref name="Dumbarton rail faces financial fight">{{Cite news |last=Oremus |first=Will |date=June 15, 2008 |title=Dumbarton rail faces financial fight |work=[[Redwood City Daily News]] |url=http://www.redwoodcitydailynews.com/article/2008-6-15-dumbarton |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201184837/http://www.redwoodcitydailynews.com/article/2008-6-15-dumbarton |archive-date=February 1, 2013 }}</ref> In January 2009, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission instead applied the funds to the [[Bay Area Rapid Transit expansion#Warm Springs extension|BART Warm Springs Extension project]] in Fremont, delaying the Dumbarton rail project for at least a decade.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rosenberg |first=Mike |date=June 11, 2009 |title=Dumbarton Rail Lawsuit Dropped |work=[[Oakland Tribune]]}}</ref>

=== South of Gilroy extension ===

{{main|Monterey County Rail Extension}}
Potential restoration of ''[[Del Monte (train)|Del Monte]]''-like service to {{stn|Monterey}} had been identified as early as the Caltrans 1984–89 Rail passenger development plan. Amtrak declined to operate such service, but operations under Southern Pacific (by then running state-subsidized services) were studied with ridership forecast developed.<ref>{{CA-Rail Passenger Development Plan-1984}}</ref> Extensions to [[Hollister, California|Hollister]] have been proposed since at least 2003.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 24, 2003 |title=Commuter rail service from Hollister? |agency=Hollister Free Lance |url=https://sanbenito.com/commuter-rail-service-from-hollister/ |access-date=October 16, 2020}}</ref>

Caltrain was approached by the [[Transportation Agency for Monterey County]] (TAMC) to extend service south of Gilroy into [[Monterey County, California|Monterey County]]. A draft environmental impact report stated the lack of [[public transport]]ation between Monterey County and the Bay Area has resulted in increased private commuter vehicle traffic.<ref name="TAMCDEIR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.tamcmonterey.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/deir_release_web1.pdf |title=Caltrain Extension to Monterey County Passenger Rail Stations—Volume I: Draft Environmental Impact Report |last=Parsons Transportation Group |date=April 26, 2006 |publisher=Transportation Agency of Monterey County |access-date=July 3, 2016}}</ref> Traffic on U.S. Route 101 was projected to rise by up to 56% in 2020 compared to 1998 levels, resulting in unstable traffic flow from the Salinas city limits to the Santa Clara County line as a result.<ref name=TAMCDEIR />

The concept of a Caltrain extension to Monterey County has been considered since at least 1996, with the cities of Salinas and Watsonville considering rail station improvements and construction between 1996 and 1998, culminating in a TAMC-sponsored ''Extension of Caltrain Commuter Service to Monterey County Business Plan'' in 2000. The proposed extension would create new stations and stops in [[Pajaro, California|Pajaro]] (serving [[Watsonville, California|Watsonville]] in adjacent [[Santa Cruz County, California|Santa Cruz County]] at an estimated cost of {{US$|6585000|2006|round=-3}})<ref name=TAMCDEIR /> and [[Castroville, California|Castroville]] (at an estimated cost of {{US$|11150000|2006|round=-3}})<ref name=TAMCDEIR /> before terminating at the existing [[Salinas, California|Salinas]] [[Salinas Intermodal Transportation Center|Amtrak station]] with ''[[Coast Starlight]]'' service. The Salinas station would be rebuilt as an intermodal station to connect commuter rail with Monterey-Salinas Transit buses. A layover yard would be added to accommodate Caltrain crews and maintenance, and the total cost of the Salinas improvements was estimated at {{US$|39705000|2006|round=-3}}.<ref name=TAMCDEIR /> The cost of operating commuter rail from the anticipated start of service until 2030 was estimated at {{US$|64900000|2006|round=-3}} for two daily round trips, including an expansion to four round trips daily within ten years.<ref name=TAMCDEIR />

This project depends on state and federal funding availability, a possible local sales tax measure, and an agreement with Union Pacific, the owner of the Salinas-to-Gilroy tracks and right-of-way. This project is managed by TAMC, who released the [[Environmental impact assessment|Final Environment Impact Report (EIR)]] for this project in 2006.<ref>{{Cite report |url=http://www.tamcmonterey.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/FEIRVol3July2006.pdf |title=Caltrain Extension to Monterey County Passenger Rail Stations—Volume III Final Environment Impact Report (EIR) |last=Parsons Transportation Group |date=July 2006 |publisher=Transportation Agency of Monterey County |location=San Jose, California |access-date=December 6, 2014}}</ref> This would complement another plan to re-establish rail service last provided by [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]]'s ''[[Del Monte (train)|Del Monte Express]]'' which operated between [[Monterey station|Monterey]] and San Francisco.

In 2009, Caltrain requested that TAMC approach other train operators. TAMC subsequently opened discussions with the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority and the [[Amtrak California|Caltrans Division of Rail]] to extend ''[[Capitol Corridor]]'' service south from San Jose to Salinas using the same routing and stations.<ref name="FEIR-Add">{{Cite report |url=http://www.tamcmonterey.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/CapitolCorridorExtension-Addendum_FINAL2.pdf |title=Addendum: Capitol Corridor Extension to Monterey County Environmental Impact Report |last=Parsons |date=August 2013 |publisher=Transportation Agency for Monterey County |access-date=July 3, 2016}}</ref> The switch to Capitol Corridor was cited as an advantage, since CCJPA had experience with commuter trains sharing service on Union Pacific-owned freight right-of-way. Two Capitol Corridor trains would originate from Salinas in the mornings and run through to San Jose and on to Sacramento, with two evening trains making the return trip south to Salinas.<ref name="FEIR-Add" />

By 2016, plans had shifted in favor of [[Amtrak California]]'s ''[[Capitol Corridor]]'' to be the service extended to Salinas station.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rahaim |first=Nick |date=January 5, 2017 |title=Frank's Fish Market will close to pave way for new Salinas train station. |publisher=Monterey County Now |url=http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/news/local_news/frank-s-fish-market-will-close-to-pave-way-for/article_a037d32a-d2ce-11e6-afcc-a3a114db3548.html |access-date=January 15, 2017}}</ref> However, with the awarding of [[Road Repair and Accountability Act]] funds in 2018, it was revealed that Caltrain again would operate to Salinas as the first commuter rail service with Capitol Corridor service to follow later.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Jim |date=May 9, 2018 |title=Salinas commuter rail extension project gets $10 million SB 1 gas tax grant |agency=Monterey Herald |url=http://www.montereyherald.com/article/NF/20180509/NEWS/180509827 |access-date=May 11, 2018}}</ref> {{As of|March 2020}}, two daily Caltrain round trips were planned to begin in 2022 after the completion of the Salinas layover facility and trackwork at Gilroy. Future phases are proposed to add stations at Pajaro/Watsonville and Castroville, with the potential for up to six daily round trips.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2020 |title=Monterey County Rail Extension |url=https://www.tamcmonterey.org/files/76261e4de/TAMC_Salinas-Kick-Start-Project_Fact-sheet_March-2020.pdf |publisher=Transportation Agency for Monterey County }}</ref>

=== Oakdale infill station ===

[[File:Caltrain passing Oakdale Avenue station site, June 2018.JPG|thumb|left|A southbound train passing the proposed station site (June 2018); the Quint Street Lead can be seen branching east from the northbound mainline.]]
A study from 1988 evaluated replacing the [[Paul Avenue station]] with a new station to the north, at either Williams, Palou, or Evans, as part of the effort to relocate the home port for {{USS|Missouri|BB-63}} to the [[Hunters Point Shipyard]], and concluded that with the completion of the Downtown Rail Extension (now known as [[The Portal (San Francisco)|The Portal]]), daily ridership could increase to 2,400. However, without the Downtown Extension, ridership would be limited to less than 100. The 1988 study concluded the preferred site was at Evans Avenue.<ref name=88-Evans>{{cite report |url=https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/content/Planning/CaltrainOakdaleStation/PDFs/caltrain1988bayviewstudy.pdf |title=Evaluation of the Feasibility of Constructing a Peninsula Commute Service (CalTrain) Station in the South Bayshore/Hunters Point Area of San Francisco and of Closing the Paul Street Station |date=Fall 1988 |publisher=California Department of Transportation, District 4: Public Transportation Branch}}</ref>

The ''Bayview Hunters Point Community Revitalization Concept Plan'' (March 2002) identified the Oakdale-Palou area as the community's preferred location for the Caltrain station.<ref>{{cite report |chapter-url=https://sfocii.org/sites/default/files/ftp/uploadedfiles/Projects/Ch%204%20Part%202%20-%20Physical%20Planning%20and%20Environmental%20Programs.pdf |title=Bayview Hunters Point Community Revitalization Concept Plan |chapter=4, Part II: Physical Planning and Environmental Programs |pages=108–109 |publisher=San Francisco Planning Department |access-date=October 17, 2018}}</ref> With the completion of the Caltrain Express project, service to Paul Avenue was reduced and the station was closed in 2005.<ref name=PCJPB-050425>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_4_25_fare_increase_service_revamp.html |title=Caltrain OK's Fare Increase, Service Revamp to Close Deficit |date=April 25, 2005 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050507175515/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_4_25_fare_increase_service_revamp.html |archive-date=May 7, 2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 4, 2018 }}</ref> A feasibility study that year proposed a replacement station just north of Oakdale Avenue, next to the [[City College of San Francisco]] Southeast Campus in Bayview, {{convert|1.0|mile}} north of the former Paul Avenue station, connecting with multiple bus lines.<ref name=2005-feasibility />{{rp|18}} The station would be near the Quint Street Lead, which is used by freight trains moving east to the Intermodal Freight Rail Cargo Transfer Facility near Piers 90–96.<ref name=2005-feasibility>{{cite report |url=https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/content/Planning/CaltrainOakdaleStation/PDFs/bayviewoakdalecaltrainstudy-finalv2.pdf |title=Bayview-Oakdale Caltrain Station Study |author=HNTB Corporation |date=February 2005 |publisher=San Franicsco County Transportation Authority |access-date=October 17, 2018}}</ref>{{rp|27}} A follow-up study in 2014 predicted daily ridership of around 2,350.<ref name=oakdale>{{cite web |url=https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/content/Planning/CaltrainOakdaleStation/PDFs/Caltrain_Oakdale_fact_sheet_v3.pdf |title=Fact Sheet: Caltrain Station at Oakdale Avenue |publisher=San Francisco County Transportation Authority |date=March 2014}}</ref><ref name=2014-ridership>{{cite report |url=https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/content/Planning/CaltrainOakdaleStation/PDFs/OakdaleRidership_final_report.pdf |title=Caltrain Oakdale Station Ridership Study |date=March 2014 |publisher=San Francisco County Transportation Authority |access-date=October 17, 2018}}</ref>

The Southeast Rail Station Study (SERSS) was released in June 2022 and was endorsed by the San Francisco Planning Commission on July 14.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sfplanning.org/project/southeast-rail-station-study |title=Southeast Rail Station Study |publisher=San Francisco Planning Commission |access-date=August 12, 2022}}</ref> SERSS recommended a new Bayview Station should be located between Oakdale and Jerrold, over alternatives at Evans or at Williams.<ref name=SERSS22>{{cite report |url=https://sfplanning.org/sites/default/files/documents/citywide/serss/1_SERSS_Report_2022.pdf |title=Southeast Rail Station Study (SERSS) |date=June 30, 2022 |publisher=San Francisco Planning Commission |access-date=August 12, 2022}}</ref>{{rp|7}}

Near the proposed station, the Caltrain line is grade-separated from Oakdale (which passes over the rail line) and Quint. Prior to 2016, the rail line was carried over Quint on a steel bridge originally constructed for the Bayshore Cutoff in the early 1900s. In preparation for a new Oakdale station, the bridge over Quint was removed on April 30 and replaced by a berm completed in July 2016, which severed Quint between Oakdale and Jerrold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caltrain.com/projectsplans/Projects/Caltrain_Capital_Program/Quint_Street_Project.html |title=Quint Street Project |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |access-date=October 17, 2018}}</ref> A new road has been proposed to reconnect Quint to Jerrold on land belonging to Union Pacific, west of the tracks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sfcta.org/quint-street-bridge-replacement |title=Quint-Jerrold Connector Road (and the Quint Street Bridge Replacement Project) |publisher=San Francisco County Transportation Authority |access-date=October 17, 2018}}</ref>

== Infrastructure and service ==

=== Right of way ===

[[File:Monterey County Rail Extension map.svg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|Bay Area regional commuter rail map; excludes metro (BART) and light rail (Muni Metro and VTA Light Rail) services]]
The Caltrain right of way between San Francisco and Tamien stations is owned and maintained by its operating agency, the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (PCJPB). PCJPB purchased the right of way from [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]] (SP) in 1991, while SP maintained rights to inter-city passenger and freight trains. In exchange SP granted PCJPB rights to operate up to 6 trains per day between Tamien and Gilroy stations, later increased to 10 trains per day on a deal with SP's successor [[Union Pacific Railroad|Union Pacific]] (UP) in 2005. Three round-trip freight trains operate daily over the line.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 2020 |title=San Francisco to San Jose Project Section Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement Volume 1 Chapter 2 |url=https://hsr.ca.gov/docs/programs/san_francisco_san_jose/Draft_EIRS_FJ_V1-08_CH_2_Alternatives.pdf |access-date=July 20, 2020 |publisher=[[California High-Speed Rail Authority|CHSRA]] |pages=2–5}}</ref>

Law enforcement services are provided by a division of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, under contract with PCJPB.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 4, 2020 |title=Law Enforcement Services: Procurement Process and Summary Details |url=https://www.caltrain.com/Assets/5h2.JPB+June+presentation+-+Law+Enforcement+Svcs.pdf |access-date=September 28, 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Transit Police Bureau |url=https://www.smcsheriff.com/patrol-services/transit-police-bureau |access-date=September 28, 2021 |publisher=San Mateo County Sheriff's Office}}</ref>

=== Stations ===

{{main|List of Caltrain stations}}
The system has 31 stations. 28 stations are served daily, one ([[Broadway station (Caltrain)|Broadway]]) is served on weekends only, one ([[College Park station (Caltrain)|College Park]]) is served during [[Bellarmine College Preparatory]]'s commute times on weekdays only, and one ([[Stanford station|Stanford]]) is served on [[Stanford University]]'s football game days only. [[San Francisco 4th and King Street station|San Francisco 4th and King Street]] is the northern terminus of the system, while Gilroy is the southern terminus. However, most trains originate and terminate at [[Tamien station|Tamien]]. The five southernmost stations—[[Capitol (Caltrain station)|Capitol]], [[Blossom Hill (Caltrain station)|Blossom Hill]], [[Morgan Hill (Caltrain station)|Morgan Hill]], [[San Martin (Caltrain station)|San Martin]], and [[Gilroy Rail Station|Gilroy]]—are served only on weekdays during commute times in the peak direction, going toward San Francisco in the morning and toward Gilroy in the afternoon.<ref name="map2">{{Cite web |title=Caltrain System Map |url=http://www.caltrain.com/stations/systemmap.html |publisher=Caltrain |accessdate=February 11, 2013}}</ref> Twelve stations were served by the express train service known as Baby Bullet, inaugurated in 2004 and discontinued in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Van Hattem |first=Matt |date=July 5, 2006 |title=Caltrain |url=http://www.trains.com/trn/default.aspx?c=a&id=415 |access-date=November 22, 2008 |website=Trains Magazine}}</ref> Santa Clara station is not long enough to accommodate six-car trains without minor service impacts.<ref name="sixcartrains">{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2021 |title=Santa Clara Station - Disembarking from six car trains |url=https://www.caltrain.com/stations/santaclarastation.html |access-date=March 21, 2021 |website=Caltrain }}</ref> Seven stations ([[Millbrae station|Millbrae]], [[Burlingame station|Burlingame]], [[San Carlos station|San Carlos]], [[Menlo Park station|Menlo Park]], [[Palo Alto station|Palo Alto]], [[Santa Clara Transit Center|Santa Clara]] and [[San Jose Diridon station|San Jose Diridon]]) are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caltrain Facilities and Statistics |url=http://www.caltrain.com/caltrain_statistics.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615050737/http://www.caltrain.com/caltrain_statistics.html |archive-date=June 15, 2008 |access-date=November 22, 2008 |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref>

{{anchor|hold-out|hold-out rule}}
[[File:Hold out rule at South San Francisco station, July 2018.JPG|left|thumb|A southbound train holds outside the old [[South San Francisco station (Caltrain)|South San Francisco station]] while passengers board a northbound train on the narrow island platform in July 2018.]]
The Southern Pacific Railroad originally built many stations with a [[side platform]] on the west side of the tracks to serve southbound trains, plus a narrow [[island platform]] between tracks to serve northbound trains. To protect northbound passengers from being struck by southbound trains, Caltrain implemented a "hold-out rule" ([[General Code of Operating Rules|GCOR]] 6.30): if a train is stopped for passengers, an approaching train on another track must wait outside the station.<ref>{{Cite report |url=http://www.westcoastrailroadersgroup.com/uploads/GCOR_Sixth_Edition_4-7-10_1_.pdf |title=GCOR: General Code of Operating Rules |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2010 |publisher=General Code of Operating Rules Committee |edition=6th |pages=6–15 |quote=When notified that a passenger train will be at a station, do not pass between station platform and a passenger train until assured that all passengers and employees have cleared the track between the passenger train and the station platform. Movement may then pass when preceded by an employee walking ahead of the movement. |access-date=January 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201190922/http://www.westcoastrailroadersgroup.com/uploads/GCOR_Sixth_Edition_4-7-10_1_.pdf |archive-date=February 1, 2016 |url-status=dead |website=West Coast Railroaders Group}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=February 18, 2010 |title=San Francisco to San Jose Glossary of Terms |url=http://www.hsr.ca.gov/docs/programs/statewide_rail/proj_sections/SanFran_SanJose/San_Francisco_to_San_Jose_Glossary_of_Terms_and_Acronyms_2_18_10.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426131919/https://www.hsr.ca.gov/docs/programs/statewide_rail/proj_sections/SanFran_SanJose/San_Francisco_to_San_Jose_Glossary_of_Terms_and_Acronyms_2_18_10.pdf |archive-date=April 26, 2019 |access-date=November 4, 2019 |publisher=California High-Speed Rail Authority / Caltrain JPB |quote='''Hold-Out Rule''' &ndash; The rule enforced at Caltrain stations that have only one outside boarding platform which prevents a train from entering the station while another train [is] at the station boarding or alighting passengers. Platform upgrades will allow the hold-out rule to be eliminated, either by adding a second outside boarding platform on the opposite side, or by replacing the existing platform with a center-boarding platform.}}</ref> This rule caused numerous delays, especially after the [[Caltrain Express]] project added Baby Bullet trains that pass through many stations without stopping. Most stations have been rebuilt (often as part of larger projects) with side platforms or wider island platforms, thus avoiding the hold-out rule. They have included {{cals|Redwood City}} in 1995; {{cals|San Carlos}} in the late 1990s; {{cals|Downtown Mountain View}}, {{cals|San Mateo}}, and {{cals|Menlo Park}} in 2000; {{cals|Sunnyvale}} in 2002; {{cals|Millbrae}} in 2003; {{cals|Hillsdale}} in 2005; {{cals|Burlingame}} and {{cals|California Avenue}} in 2008, {{cals|Santa Clara}} in 2012, and {{cals|South San Francisco}} in 2021.<ref name="askmar">{{Askmar-Caltrain}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=South San Francisco Caltrain Station Improvement Project |url=http://www.caltrain.com/projectsplans/Projects/Caltrain_Capital_Program/South_San_Francisco_Caltrain_Station_Improvement_Project.html |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Caltrain Notice: Construction, Installation and Maintenance |url=https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Caltrain-Notice--Construction--Installation-and-Maintenance.html?soid=1107972911544&aid=tHyTuV4eCNE |access-date=September 25, 2021 |website=Caltrain}}</ref><!--Hayward Park in 1999? Belmont in 1997? --> Weekday service at {{cals|Broadway}} and {{cals|Atherton}} was eliminated in 2005 due to the hold-out rule, while {{cals|College Park}} has only limited service. Atherton station was closed altogether in December 2020.<ref name="closed">{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain Implements New Service Changes and Permanently Closes Atherton Station |date=December 7, 2020 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/news/Caltrain_Implements_New_Service_Changes_and_Permanently_Closes_Atherton_Station.html}}</ref>

=== Services ===
The current services became effective on September 21, 2024:<ref name="Electric Schedule"/><ref name="Electric Weekday schedule"/><ref name="Electric Weekend schedule"/>

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%;"
|-
!Service
![[#Train numbering scheme|Train numbering scheme]]<ref name="Electric Schedule"/><ref name="Electric Weekday schedule"/><ref name="Electric Weekend schedule"/>
!Notes
|-
|Local
|1xx
|All stops from San Francisco to San Jose, including service to Tamien on alternating trains and service to [[College Park station (Caltrain)|College Park]] with two daily round trips.
|-
|Limited
|4xx
|[[Skip-stop]] service in the northern part of the route with local service for stations south of Redwood City.
|-
|Express
|5xx
|Limited stop service, completing the San Jose to San Francisco trip in 59 minutes.
|-
|Weekend Local
|6xx
|All stops from San Francisco to San Jose, including service to Tamien on alternating trains, service to [[Broadway station (Caltrain)|Broadway]], and service to [[Stanford station|Stanford]] with select trains on game days.
|-
|South County Connector
|8xx
|4x daily weekday only diesel service from Gilroy to San Jose with timed cross platform connections to Limited or Express trains.
|}

=== Maintenance and operations facility ===
[[File:Caltrain_CEMOF.jpg|thumb|right|[[Caltrain Centralized Equipment Maintenance and Operations Facility]]]]
{{Main|Caltrain Centralized Equipment Maintenance and Operations Facility}}
The Centralized Equipment Maintenance and Operations Facility is the [[train yard|train maintenance yard]] and facility serving Caltrain, north of [[Diridon Station|San Jose Diridon]] station in [[San Jose, California|San Jose]].<ref>[[Google Earth]] images.</ref> The {{US$|140 million}} maintenance station began construction in 2004 and opened on September 29, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2007 |title=Caltrain Set to Open New $140M Maintenance Facility |url=http://caltrain.com/news_2007_09_24_cemof_opening.html |access-date=April 9, 2008 |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 29, 2007 |title=CEMOF Grand Opening |url=http://www.mercurynewsphoto.com/blog/2007/09/29/cemof/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021171724/http://www.mercurynewsphoto.com/blog/2007/09/29/cemof/ |archive-date=October 21, 2007 |access-date=April 9, 2008 |website=[[San Jose Mercury News]]}}</ref> It consolidates much of Caltrain's maintenance and operations into one location.<ref name="CEMOF">{{Cite web |title=CEMOF: Centralized Equipment, Maintenance and Operations Facility: Fact Sheet |url=http://www.caltrain.org/project_factsheet_C_CEMOF.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071019071415/http://www.caltrain.org/project_factsheet_C_CEMOF.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=October 19, 2007 |access-date=January 26, 2008 |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref>
{{clear}}

== Operations ==

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible collapsed floatright" style="width:35em; text-align:right; font-size:80%;"
|+ style="text-align:center; font-size:125%;"|'''Caltrain annual statistics'''
|-
! scope="col" rowspan=2 |Year !! scope="col" colspan=3 |Finances{{efn|Fiscal year ends on June 30. Reported in Year of Expenditure $×1,000.}} !! scope="col" colspan=2 |Weekday Ridership{{efn|Passenger counts performed every February.}} !! rowspan=2 |Refs.
|-
!scope="col" |Passenger Fare Revenue!! scope="col" |Operating Expenses!! scope="col" |Farebox Recovery Ratio
!scope="col" |Passengers !! scope="col" |Bicycles{{efn|Only includes bicycles physically brought onto the train, not those left at the station.}}
|-
!scope="row"|1997
| colspan=3 rowspan=6 style="text-align:center;"|Data not available || 24,597 || rowspan=7 style="text-align:center;"|Bicycles not counted
|
|-
!scope="row"|1998
| 26,794
|<ref name="annualridership">{{Cite web |title=Ridership Reports |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Marketing/pdf/2018+Annual+Passenger+Counts.pdf |access-date=October 17, 2018 |publisher=Caltrain |archive-date=May 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520173552/http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Marketing/pdf/2018+Annual+Passenger+Counts.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|1999
| 26,028
|<ref name="annualridership" />
|-
!scope="row"|2000
| 29,728
|<ref name="annualridership" />
|-
!scope="row"|2001
| 33,691
|<ref name="annualridership" />
|-
!scope="row"|2002{{efn|[[Caltrain Express|CTX]] project started in July 2002}}
| 29,178
|<ref name="annualridership" />
|-
!scope="row"|2003
| 19,430 || 59,854 || 32% 
| 25,577
|<ref name="annualridership" /><ref name=2004CAFR />
|-
!scope="row"|2004{{efn|[[Caltrain Express|Baby Bullet]] service began June 2004}}
| 18,427 || 63,611 || 29% 
| 23,947 || 1,614
|<ref name="annualridership" /><ref name="2004CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=628 |title="Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2004" |date=October 8, 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=11 |access-date=July 21, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160815121222/http://www.caltrain.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=628 |archive-date= August 15, 2016 }}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2005
| 21,968 || 70,098 || 31% 
| 26,533 || 1,860
|<ref name="annualridership" /><ref name="2005CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=629 |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2005 |author=((Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP)) |date=October 21, 2005 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=13 |access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2006
| 28,845 || 72,576 || 40% 
| 29,760 || 2,271
|<ref name="annualridership" /><ref name="2006CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=630 |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2006 |author=((Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP)) |date=October 13, 2006 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=12 |access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2007
| 33,058 || 77,531 || 43% 
| 31,507 || 2,334
|<ref name="annualridership" /><ref name="2007CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=631 |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2007 |author=((Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP)) |date=November 30, 2007 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=12 |access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2008
| 38,399 || 86,958 || 44% 
| 34,611 || 2,382
|<ref name="annualridership" /><ref name="2008CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=632 |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2008 |author=((Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP)) |date=November 30, 2008 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=13 |access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2009
| 43,272 || 90,267 || 48% 
| 36,232 || 2,890
|<ref name="annualridership" /><ref name="2009CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=627 |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2009 |author=((Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP)) |date=November 30, 2009 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=13 |access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2010
| 42,732 || 88,609 || 48% 
| 34,120 || 2,659
|<ref name="annualridership" /><ref name="2010CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=1137 |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2010 |last=Maze & Associates |date=October 15, 2010 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=14 |access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2011
| 49,026 || 95,628 || 51% 
| 37,779 || 3,664
|<ref name="annualridership" /><ref name="2011CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=3094 |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2011 |last=Maze & Associates |date=October 19, 2011 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=14 |access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2012
| 59,891 || 101,175 || 59% 
| 42,354 || 4,243
|<ref name="2012CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=4498 |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2012 |last=Maze & Associates |date=October 23, 2012 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=14 |access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref><ref name="ridership">{{Cite web |title=Ridership |url=http://www.caltrain.com/about/statsandreports/Ridership.html |access-date=May 21, 2012 |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref><ref>[http://www.caltrain.com/about/news/Caltrain_Board_Reviews_Annual_Budget_And_Ridership_Numbers.html Caltrain Board Reviews Annual Budget And Ridership Numbers<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2013
| 68,767 || 107,052 || 64% 
| 47,060 || 4,910
|<ref name="2013CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Finance/CAFR/CT/JPB+CAFR+2013.pdf |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 |last=Maze & Associates |date=October 4, 2013 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=16 |access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2014
| 82,145 || 115,761 || 71% 
| 52,611 || 5,874
|<ref name="2014CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Finance/CAFR/CT/JPB+CAFR+2014.pdf |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |last=Maze & Associates |date=December 16, 2014 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=14 |access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2015
| 83,351 || 120,110 || 69% 
| 58,245 || 6,207
|<ref name="2015CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Finance/CAFR/CT/PCJPB+CAFR+2015.pdf |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2015 with Comparative Totals for 2014 |author=((Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP)) |date=January 15, 2016 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=13 |access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2016
| 86,959 || 117,843 || 74% 
| 62,416 || 5,520
|<ref name="2016CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Finance/CAFR/CT/PCJPB+CAFR+2016.pdf |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 |last=Finance Division |date=January 26, 2017 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=13 |access-date=March 28, 2017}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2017
| 92,429 || 132,634 || 70%
| 62,190{{efn|Revised methodology to count "Average Mid-Weekday Ridership" (AMWR) for 2018 by averaging two mid-weekday (Tuesdays and Thursdays) counts per train. Using the revised methodology provides a count of 64,114 for 2017.}} || 5,216{{efn|5,584 using "Average Mid-Weekday Bike Ridership" (AMWBR) methodology analogous to AMWR.}}
|<ref name="2017CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Finance/CAFR/CT/PCJPB+CAFR+2017.pdf |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 |last=Finance Division |date=December 19, 2017 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=13 |access-date=January 17, 2018}}</ref><ref name="2017count">{{Cite web |last=Board of Directors |date=May 26, 2017 |title=2017 Annual Passenger Counts |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/__Agendas+and+Minutes/JPB/Board+of+Directors/Presentations/2017/2017-06-01+Annual+Passenger+Counts.pdf |access-date=May 27, 2017 |publisher=Caltrain |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718135504/http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/__Agendas+and+Minutes/JPB/Board+of+Directors/Presentations/2017/2017-06-01+Annual+Passenger+Counts.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2018
| 97,050 || 132,925 || 73%
| 65,095{{efn|Starting from 2018, counts performed as AMWR.}} || 5,919{{efn|Starting from 2018, counts performed as AMWBR.}}
|<ref name="2018CAFR">{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Finance/CAFR/CT/PCJPB+CAFR+2018.PDF |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 |last=Finance Division |date=November 5, 2018 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=9 |access-date=January 4, 2019}}</ref><ref name="2018count">{{Cite web |last=Board of Directors |date=September 2018 |title=2018 Annual Passenger Counts |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/__Agendas+and+Minutes/JPB/2018/2018-09-06+PASSENGER+COUNT.pdf |access-date=September 4, 2018 |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2019
| 102,668 || 147,327 || 70%
| 63,597 || 5,506
|<ref name="2019CAFR">{{Cite report |url=https://www.caltrain.com/media/1360/download |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 |last=Finance Division |date=October 31, 2019 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=8 |access-date=August 16, 2021}}</ref><ref name="2019count">{{Cite web |last=Board of Directors |date=September 2019 |title=2019 Annual Passenger Counts |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/__Agendas+and+Minutes/JPB/2019/2019-09-05+JPB+Presentation+Annual+Passenger+Count.pdf |access-date=September 5, 2019 |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2020
| 76,094 || 157,023 || 48%
| colspan=2 | N/A{{efn|name=COVID|No ridership count conducted due to [[COVID-19 pandemic in California]]}}
|<ref name="2020CAFR">{{Cite report |url=https://www.caltrain.com/media/1455/download |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 |last=Finance Division |date=October 26, 2020 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=8 |access-date=August 16, 2021}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2021
| 32,440 || 170,847 || 19%
| colspan=2 | N/A{{efn|name=COVID}}
|<ref name="2021CAFR">{{Cite report |url=https://www.caltrain.com/media/8106/download |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 |last=Finance Division |date=October 11, 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=8 |access-date=March 4, 2022}}</ref>
|-
!2022
|33,236
|174,388
|21%<!-- {{efn|Fiscal year ends on June 30. Report for prior fiscal year typically issued in December/January following the close of fiscal year.}} -->
|N/A<!-- Passenger count data not yet available
https://www.caltrain.com/about-caltrain/statistics-reports/ridership -->
|N/A
|<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2022 |title=Annual Comprehensive Financial Report - Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 |url=https://www.caltrain.com/media/23781/download |access-date=June 28, 2023 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=9}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2023
|43,330
|173,287
|25%
|N/A
|N/A
|<ref name="2023CAFR">{{Cite report |url=https://www.caltrain.com/media/32501/download |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 |last=Finance Division |date=December 19, 2023 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=10 |access-date=April 14, 2024}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2024
|46,896
|194,238
|25%
|N/A
|N/A
|<ref name="2024CAFR">{{Cite report |url=https://www.caltrain.com/media/34732 |title=Annual Comprehensive Financial Report - Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 |last=Finance Division |date=December 13, 2024 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |page=9 |access-date=March 30, 2025}}</ref>
|-
| colspan=7 style="text-align:left;" |'''Notes'''<br />{{notelist|15em}}
|}

The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board purchased the right of way between San Francisco and San Jose for $212{{nbsp}}million from Southern Pacific in 1991 (equivalent to ${{format price|{{inflation|US|212000000|1991}} }} in {{inflation year|US}}). [[Trackage right]]s with Union Pacific limit service south of Tamien to up to five round trips per weekday (four daily round trips operate {{as of|2024|lc=y}}).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Melecio-Zambrano |first1=Luis |title=As electric trains race ahead, over 100,000 residents of South Bay are left behind |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/09/20/as-electric-trains-race-ahead-over-100000-residents-of-south-bay-are-left-behind/ |access-date=September 21, 2024 |agency=Mercury News |date=September 20, 2024}}</ref>

=== Operating expenses and farebox recovery ===
The operating expenses for fiscal year 2021 were $170,847,000. The fare revenue was $32,440,000, making the [[farebox recovery ratio]] 19.1%.<ref name="2021CAFR" /> Operating expenses for fiscal year 2022 rose to $174,388,000 while fare revenue rose to $33,236,000, marking a modest gain in the farebox recovery ratio to 21%, still less than a third of pre-pandemic levels.<ref name="2019CAFR" /><ref name=":1" />

=== Ridership ===
Caltrain ridership more than doubled between 2005 and 2015.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 25, 2015 |title=Caltrain sets ridership record |url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/commuter-regional/caltrain-sets-ridership-record.html |magazine=Railway Age |access-date=August 25, 2015}}</ref> Ridership growth has been linked to the expansion of businesses near Caltrain stations, a shift in attitudes against the use of cars for commuting, and the expansion Caltrain service which has included extra trains and the introduction of fast express services (''Baby Bullet'' service).<ref>{{cite news |first=Nathan |last=Donato-Weinstein |date=May 28, 2014 |title=Younger and wealthier, Caltrain riders opt out of traffic |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2014/05/28/younger-and-wealthier-caltrain-riders-opt-out-of.html?page=all |publisher=Silicon Valley Business Journal}}</ref><ref>Caltrain Ridership Hits Historic High, August 2, 2012, http://www.caltrain.com/about/News_Archive/Caltrain_Ridership_Hits_Historic_High.html</ref>

=== Performance ===
According to the ''Rail and the California Economy'' study published in 2017, Caltrain Baby Bullet trains operate with a 95% on-time performance, defined as making stops within ten minutes of published schedules. In addition, Caltrain carries over 4,500 people per hour in each direction, equivalent to two freeway lanes in each direction. At current ridership levels, Caltrain directly removes {{convert|200|MT|abbr=on}} of carbon dioxide emissions per day, displacing the equivalent of 10,000 vehicles per day, not counting any ancillary benefit from improved traffic flow resulting from reduced congestion.<ref name="Rail-and-CA-Econ">{{Cite report |url=http://www.dot.ca.gov/research/planning/docs/Rail_CAEconomy_Book_Report.pdf |title=Rail and the California Economy |author=((Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Berkeley ))|date=2017 |publisher=California Department of Transportation |access-date=August 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831140440/http://www.dot.ca.gov/research/planning/docs/Rail_CAEconomy_Book_Report.pdf |archive-date=August 31, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Ticketing ==

[[File:Caltrain verification of payment.jpg|thumb|left|Seat checks used to verify fare payment in the 1990s]]
Caltrain operates as a [[proof-of-payment]] system. Each rider must buy a ticket prior to boarding the train that may or may not be checked during the trip. Tickets can be purchased at [[ticket vending machine]]s located at all stations, as well as on the Caltrain app.<ref name=ride/><ref name="fare">{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2017 |title=Ticket Machine |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Fares/howtobuy/Ticket_Vending_Machine.html |access-date=August 31, 2017 |website=Caltrain |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref> Ticket windows located at San Jose Diridon and Fourth and King were closed in 2005.

One-way tickets expire four hours after purchase, but round-trip tickets ("day passes") are good for unlimited rides within their zone limit until the last train of the day. A joint adult Caltrain/VTA Day Pass, valid through Zone 3 and intended for service to [[Levi's Stadium]], costs an additional $6 and covers fares on VTA buses and light rail, with the exception of VTA Express service. A Zone Upgrade may be purchased to augment a valid one-way ticket, day pass, or monthly pass at $2 per zone, valid for four hours after purchase and in one direction only. Discounted 8-ride tickets and monthly passes are available only with a Clipper card. Caltrain eliminated sales of the 8-ride ticket as of October 1, 2017; existing 8-ride tickets would be honored through the end of October.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 3, 2017 |title=Caltrain Fare Changes |url=http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/CaltrainFareChanges.html |access-date=October 2, 2017 |website=Caltrain |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref> Seniors (aged 65 years and older), children (aged 17 years or younger), disabled, and Medicare card holders are eligible for a discounted fare at approximately half price (varies depending on the ticket).<ref name=farechart /><ref name="TTypes">{{Cite web |date=August 4, 2017 |title=Ticket Types |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Fares/tickettypes.html |access-date=August 31, 2017 |website=Caltrain |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref>

=== Zone fare structure ===
Caltrain stations are split into six zones. Zone 1 comprises all stations in San Francisco, plus South San Francisco and San Bruno stations in San Mateo County. Zone 2 comprises most stations in San Mateo County. Zone 3 comprises stations in northern Santa Clara County, plus Menlo Park station in San Mateo County. Zone 4 comprises stations in central Santa Clara County. Zones 5 and 6, which are used only during rush hour, comprise stations in southern Santa Clara County.

Fares for Caltrain service are based on the number of zones traveled, which is considered to be the number of zones "touched" between the origin and destination. For instance, a passenger that boards at a Zone 1 station and departs at a Zone 1 station is considered to travel within one zone. A passenger that boards at a Zone 2 station and departs at a Zone 4 station is considered to travel within three zones (Zones 2, 3, and 4).<ref name=farechart /> When purchasing a ticket from the station ticket machine, the machine assumes the origin zone is the same as the station's zone, and prompts the passenger to select a destination zone, but the origin zone can be changed if necessary.<ref name=fare />

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Fare chart (as of April 28, 2021)<ref name=farechart />
|-
! rowspan=2 | Zones traveled !! rowspan=2 | Fare Type !! colspan=2 | One Way{{efn|name=4hrs|Valid 4 hours from time of purchase}} !! colspan=1 | Day Pass{{efn|Valid the on the day purchased, allows unlimited travel within the zones listed.}} !! colspan=1 | Zone Upgrade{{efn|name=4hrs}}{{efn|Valid one way, must be accompanied by another valid ticket. Not valid with 8-ride Ticket}} !! colspan=1 | Monthly{{efn|Valid month of purchase.}}
|-
! TVM{{efn|Ticket Vending Machine}} !! Clipper !! TVM !! TVM !! Clipper
|-
! rowspan=2 style="font-size:200%;" | 1 
| Regular
|  3.75 ||  3.20 ||  7.50 || 2.25/zone ||  96.00
|- style="background:#ddf;"
| Discount{{efn|name=EDF|Eligible Discount Fare, applies to senior, disabled, youth, or Medicare. Conductor or fare inspector may request proof of age or eligibility.}}
|  1.75 ||  1.60 ||  3.75 || 1.00/zone ||  48.00
|- style="background:#eee;"
! rowspan=2 style="font-size:200%;" | 2
| Regular
|  6.00 ||  5.45 || 12.00 || 2.25/zone || 163.50
|- style="background:#eef;"
| Discount{{efn|name=EDF}}
|  2.75 ||  2.60 ||  6.00 || 1.00/zone ||  78.00
|-
! rowspan=2 style="font-size:200%;" | 3
| Regular
|  8.25 ||  7.70 || 16.50 || 2.25/zone || 231.00
|- style="background:#ddf;"
| Discount{{efn|name=EDF}}
|  3.75 ||  3.60 ||  8.25 || 1.00/zone || 108.00
|- style="background:#eee;"
! rowspan=2 style="font-size:200%;" | 4
| Regular
| 10.50 ||  9.95 || 21.00 || 2.25/zone || 298.50
|- style="background:#eef;"
| Discount{{efn|name=EDF}}
|  4.75 ||  4.60 || 10.50 || 1.00/zone || 138.00
|-
! rowspan=2 style="font-size:200%;" | 5
| Regular
| 12.75 || 12.20 || 25.50 || 2.25/zone || 366.00
|- style="background:#ddf;"
| Discount{{efn|name=EDF}}
|  5.75 ||  5.60 || 12.75 || 1.00/zone || 168.00
|- style="background:#eee;"
! rowspan=2 style="font-size:200%;" | 6
| Regular
| 15.00 || 14.45 || 30.00 || 2.25/zone || 433.50
|- style="background:#eef;"
| Discount{{efn|name=EDF}}
|  6.75 ||  6.60 || 15.00 || 1.00/zone || 198.00
|}
;'''Notes'''
{{notelist|30em}}

Zone ticketing requires little infrastructure at the stations but can be expensive for passengers making a short trip that crosses a zone boundary (each zone is 13 miles long). Travel between Sunnyvale and Lawrence is a two-zone ride, since Sunnyvale is the southernmost station in Zone 3 and Lawrence is the northernmost station in Zone 4. A ride between Sunnyvale and Lawrence covers {{convert|2.0|mi}} and costs $6, the same as San Francisco [Zone 1] to Redwood City [southernmost station in Zone 2], which covers a distance of {{convert|25.3|mi}}.

=== Payment ===

In August 2009 Caltrain became the fifth public transit agency in the San Francisco Bay Area to implement the [[Clipper card]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Batey |first=Eve |date=August 3, 2009 |title=TransLink's Next Stop: Caltrain, August 17: News |url=http://sfappeal.com/news/2009/08/translinks-next-stop-caltrain-august-17.php |access-date=November 30, 2011 |publisher=SFAppeal}}</ref> Monthly passes are implemented exclusively through the Clipper card;<ref name=TTypes/> in addition, some employer-sponsored annual Go passes are implemented through the Clipper card, starting in January 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Go Pass |url=https://www.caltrain.com/Fares/tickettypes/GO_Pass.html |access-date=August 17, 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref> All passengers who use the electronic Clipper card to ride (including holders of monthly and annual Go passes) must remember to "tag on" with their card prior to boarding and "tag off" with their card after exiting the train.<ref name=clip/> If they board the train without tagging on, they will be subject to the same fines as riders without a ticket.<ref name="fare" /><ref name="clip">{{Cite web |date=August 4, 2017 |title=Clipper |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Fares/howtobuy/clipper.html |access-date=August 31, 2017 |website=Caltrain |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref> Passengers with monthly passes must tag on and off at least once before the 15th of the month to activate the pass, unless the monthly pass was added through a physical card interaction at a retailer or add value machine.<ref name=TTypes/>

Without a pass, stored cash on the Clipper card may be used to purchase a one-way ticket. Clipper card users receive a $0.55 discount on the one way full fares.<ref name="farechart">{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2017 |title=Fare Chart |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Fares/farechart.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703085255/http://www.caltrain.com:80/Fares/farechart.html |archive-date=July 3, 2010 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |website=caltrain |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref> When tagging on, the stored cash value on the Clipper card is debited the maximum one-way fare from the originating zone, where the card was tagged on prior to boarding the train. When tagging off, the stored cash value on the Clipper card is credited according to the destination zone when leaving the train; pass holders are credited the full amount that was debited when tagging off. If passengers who use the Clipper card fail to tag off when they exit the train, they will be charged "the highest cash fare from [their] point of origin", including pass holders.<ref name="leaving">{{Cite web |title=Questions about using Clipper® on Caltrain |url=https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/caltrain/faq.do |access-date=August 31, 2017 |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Commission}}</ref> Because of the initial maximum fare debit when tagging on, passengers are required to have at least $1.25 stored cash on the Clipper card to avoid exceeding the card's allowable negative value limit when boarding Caltrain.<ref name=ClipFAQ/>

For example, if a passenger tags on and boards a northbound or southbound train at San Mateo (Zone 2), their Clipper card will be debited for a five-zone one-way fare (Zone 2 to Zone 6, which is the most distant theoretical destination from the origin point, a one-way fare debit of -$12.20); if that passenger travels south and tags off at Sunnyvale (Zone 3), their Clipper card will be credited for the three zones not traveled (Zones 4, 5, and 6; +$6.75 credit overall) so the net deduction from stored cash is a two-zone one-way fare (Zone 2 to 3, -$5.45 with Clipper cash discount), unless the passenger has a pass; in that case, the passenger would receive a $12.20 credit. In the example given, failing to tag off means the initial five-zone fare debit (Zone 2 to 6, -$12.20) would remain. Because pass holders are credited only when tagging off, pass holders also would be charged the five-zone fare debit if they forget to tag off.<ref name=ClipFAQ/>

Those who use a clipper card hear one beep or see a light flash when they tag on to begin their journey and see two flashes with a double beep when they tag off to end their trip. Three beeps mean the card does not have valid fare.<ref name="ClipFAQ">{{Cite web |title=Clipper on Caltrain FAQ |url=https://www.caltrain.com/Fares/howtobuy/clipper/Clipper_on_Caltrain_FAQ.html |access-date=August 17, 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref> This ensures Caltrain is universally accessible beyond many other Clipper card acceptance mechanisms.

In 2018, Caltrain rolled out a mobile app allowing riders to purchase fares from Android and iOS smartphones. The Caltrain Mobile app was written by moovel North America, which has written apps with similar functionality for Santa Clara Valley Transportation Agency and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Green, Jason |date=February 5, 2018 |title=Caltrain to roll out mobile ticketing app |work=San Jose Mercury News |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/02/05/caltrain-to-roll-out-mobile-ticketing-app/ |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>

=== Fare enforcement ===

[[File:Caltrain proof-of-payment system logo.svg|thumb|right|150px|Caltrain proof-of-payment system sign]]

Before 2018, passengers who were unable to show a viable ticket were subject to fines of up to $250 plus court fees.<ref name="ride">{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2013 |title=How to Ride Step 3 – Pay |url=http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/howtoride/howtoride-step-3-Pay.html |access-date=August 31, 2017 |website=Caltrain |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |archive-date=June 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625062635/http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/howtoride/howtoride-step-3-Pay.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=fare/> Approximately 2,100 riders are given verbal warnings or written citations per month for fare evasion, and, while the old system was in place, an average of 15 incidents of violence against conductors occurred every month as a result of fare enforcement. This has led to trains being delayed while waiting for the police to respond.<ref name=SMDJ-180105 /> The fines for fare evasion were collected by the [[California superior courts|superior court system]] of the county in which the ticket is issued, and were not returned to Caltrain.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Weigel, Sam |date=December 7, 2017 |title=New Caltrain policy to halt fare evaders |work=San Mateo Daily Journal |url=http://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/new-caltrain-policy-to-halt-fare-evaders/article_264881de-db08-11e7-9cd5-af743852b036.html |access-date=January 8, 2018}}</ref> The complexity of the ticketing system meant that up to 65% of issued fine tickets were later overturned in court.<ref name="SMDJ-180105">{{Cite news |last=Weigel, Samantha |date=January 5, 2018 |title=Caltrain cracking down on fare evaders |work=San Mateo Daily Journal |url=http://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/caltrain-cracking-down-on-fare-evaders/article_f782fe26-f1da-11e7-ad14-cb794d5c82aa.html |access-date=January 8, 2018}}</ref>

Caltrain moved to a more streamlined process of issuing citations, effective February 1, 2018.<ref name="OrdNo2">{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2018 |title=Ordinance No. 2 |url=https://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Marketing/pdf/2018+Ordinance+No.+2.pdf |access-date=August 17, 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Jointn Powers Board}}</ref> Rather than writing the citation on the spot, which takes up to fifteen minutes, the conductor will scan the photo ID, and an administrative penalty will be mailed to the address on record, bypassing the civil superior court system. In addition, the cost of the fine decreased to $75 per infraction, and Caltrain will retain the fees.<ref name=SMDJ-180105 /> However, passengers who accrue a third (or more) fare evasion citation will be subject to traditional fines and/or criminal penalties through the superior court system.<ref name=OrdNo2/>

== Logos, markings, and liveries ==
{{outdated|section|reason=New EMU livery and train number locations with the start of electric service. Some existing details remain current but only for the South County Connector.|date=September 2024}}

During the initial years as the state was assuming control (1980–1985), locomotives and rolling stock were leased from Southern Pacific. The leased "suburban" and "gallery" coaches continued to wear SP's standard dark grey. Locomotives wore SP's "Bloody Nose" paint scheme.

An experimental scheme was applied to SP/CDTX #3187 and three gallery cars (SP/CDTX #3700, 3701, 3702), unveiled on May 15, 1982;<ref>{{Cite web |author=((wx4)) |title=A Swing and a Miss: musings about Caltrain's 1982 paint scheme, Governor Medfly & B.F. Biaggini |url=http://wx4.org/to/foam/sp/locos/caltrain/3187.html |access-date=April 3, 2017 |website=Dome of Foam}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lehmer, Ron |date=1982 |title=1982 Photo Gallery |url=http://www.calcoastrails.com/cgi/photo_index.php?year=1982&index=DATE |access-date=April 3, 2017 |publisher=Cal Coast Rails}}</ref> the locomotive had a red nose and both locomotive and cars had the body painted silver (upper half) and dark blue (lower half) blue, separated by three stripes (blue, teal, and red). The scheme was nicknamed "Rainbow",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Klein, Fred |date=2013 |title=Southern Pacific-Caltrans commuter train, 1982-1985 |url=http://www.trainweb.org/fredatsf/commute82.htm |access-date=April 3, 2017 |publisher=TrainWeb}}</ref> "Postal Service", or "Mailbox".<ref>{{Cite book |last=McGovern, Janet |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RjorOsVgXlcC&pg=PA65 |title=Caltrain and the Peninsula Commute Service |date=2012 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |isbn=978-0-7385-7622-0 |location=Charleston, South Carolina |page=65 |access-date=April 3, 2017}}</ref>

When new equipment was introduced in 1985, CalTrain adopted a new logo and painted the newly acquired silver EMD F40PH locomotives with teal and blue stripes, matching the colors in the Caltrans logo.

After the new Caltrain logo was adopted in 1997, the F40PH locomotives were repainted to gray with a black roof, and the MPI MP36 locomotives ordered for Baby Bullet service wore gray with red accents.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
File:SP 3193 with Train 149 at San Mateo, CA in August 1980 (32938025271).jpg|SP #3193 wears "Bloody Nose" pulling 3-car consist past San Mateo (1980)
File:CalTrain's Experimental Paint Scheme Was Only on GP9E 3187 (30588506922).jpg|SP #3187 repainted in experimental CALTRAIN "Rainbow" livery (1985)
File:CalTrain 916 named "California" waiting its turn at the 4th & Townsend station in San Francisco, CA in October 1985 (30591257451).jpg|916 "California" wears blue and teal stripes under state control (1985)
File:CDTX 907 with painted gallery cars Apr 1985xrp.jpg|907 "Mountain View" carrying original Caltrans blue-and-teal stripes, pulling the three "Rainbow" gallery cars CDTX 3700, 3701, 3702 (1985)
File:Gilroy Station 2024 07.JPG|914 "Atherton" F40PH repainted with new logo and new livery (2012)
File:Caltrain-927.jpg|MPI MP36 locomotives carry as-ordered gray and red livery (2007, locomotive 927)
File:Caltrain Stadler KISS at 5th Avenue 3.jpg|Stadler KISS EMUs are painted with red-on-white livery (2024)
</gallery>
<gallery |heights="50px" |widths="200px">
File:CaltrainLogo (1982).svg|1982 logo used only on SP #3187
File:CaltrainLogo02.svg|1985–1997 logo
File:Caltrain logo.svg|1997–present logo
File:Caltrain roundel.svg|1997–present roundel
</gallery>

===Train numbering scheme===
{{anchor|Post-2024 train numbering scheme}}
[[File:Caltrain 159, using Stadler KISS EMU 321-322 (1).jpg|thumb|right|Caltrain train #159 at Hayward Park, the 30th northbound local 1xx train; electronic [[headsign]] indicates train number and final destination (San Francisco).]]
Each train on the schedule is assigned a three-digit number indicating direction, sequence and stop pattern. With the transition to fully electric service between San Francisco and Tamien, using Stadler KISS EMUs, the entire three-digit train number and final destination are displayed on electronic [[destination sign]]s visible on the leading (cab) car and the side windows of other cars. Caltrain adopted a modified train numbering scheme starting in September 2024:<ref name="Electric Schedule"/><ref name="Electric Weekday schedule"/><ref name="Electric Weekend schedule"/>
* The first digit still indicates the [[#Services|service/stop pattern]]:
** 1xx trains are weekday local trains that make all regular stops.
** 4xx trains are weekday limited-service trains that run [[skip-stop]] between San Francisco and Redwood City, and local between Redwood City and San Jose Diridon.
** 5xx trains are weekday express trains, similar to the legacy Baby Bullet trains with a few additional stops.
** 6xx trains are weekend local trains that make all regular stops.
** 8xx trains are South County Connector diesel services operating between San Jose and Gilroy.
* The second and third digits are assigned sequentially within each stop pattern, starting from x01.
** The second and third digits still indicate the direction of the train; odd-numbered trains run northbound, and even-numbered trains run southbound.
** For example, 501 is the first northbound train that operates with the 5xx express service stop pattern, and 502 would be the first southbound train with the same 5xx stop pattern. Thus x03 is the second northbound train, x04 is the second southbound train, etc.

====Legacy schemes====
[[File:Caltrain Numbers.svg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|Train number locations on locomotives (top row) and control cars (bottom row)]]
The practice of placarding train numbers, which provides basic information about the train's direction and type of service, dates back to when the trains were operated by Southern Pacific. The train number placard was displayed on each leading element (locomotive or cab car), using a physical or electronic sign which may be changed by the engineer. The train number should not be confused with the locomotive or equipment number, which is the 9xx number permanently stenciled on each locomotive, or the three or four-digit number similarly painted on each piece of rolling stock. 

;Until 2021
All train number placards were physical signs capable of displaying two digits only until the MPI MP36 locomotives entered service in 2004, which can display three digits on an electronic sign. Prior to 2021, two-digit physical train number placards reflected the sequential train number, which are the last two digits of the three-digit train number.
* The first digit of the number posted on the trains indicated the stop pattern.<ref name="20210830-weekday">{{Cite web |title=Weekday Service Changes - Effective August 30, 2021 |url=https://www.caltrain.com/schedules/weekdaytimetable/Weekday_Service_Changes_-_Effective_August_30__2021.html |access-date=August 12, 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref><ref name="20210830-weekend">{{Cite web |title=Weekend Service Changes - Effective August 30, 2021 |url=https://www.caltrain.com/schedules/weekend-timetable/Weekend_Service_Changes_-_Effective_August_30__2021.html |access-date=August 12, 2021 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref>
** The first digit for weekday trains was always 1, 2 or 3.<ref>{{Cite web |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=October 5, 2014 |title=Weekday Timetable |url=http://www.caltrain.com/schedules/weekdaytimetable.html |access-date=April 5, 2015 |website=Caltrain |publisher=Joint Powers Board}}</ref>
*** 1xx trains were local trains that made all regular stops.
*** 2xx trains were limited-service trains that skipped some stations. Each limited-service train used one of three or four stop patterns: local south of Redwood City, local north of Redwood City, or express services with approximately double the number of stops compared to Baby Bullet trains. In general, the split-local limited trains offered timed transfers at Menlo Park and Redwood City.
*** 3xx trains were Baby Bullet trains, which made the fewest stops.
** The first digit for weekend trains was always 4 or 8.<ref>{{Cite web |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=October 5, 2014 |title=Weekend Timetable |url=http://www.caltrain.com/schedules/weekend-timetable.html |access-date=April 5, 2015 |website=Caltrain |publisher=Joint Powers Board}}</ref>
*** 4xx trains were local trains that made all stops.
*** 8xx trains were Weekend Baby Bullet trains that made fewer stops.
* The second and third digits indicated the sequence number of the train. For instance, x01 was the first train of the day.
** These digits also indicated the direction of the train; odd-numbered trains run northbound, and even-numbered trains run southbound. Thus x02 is the first southbound train of the day, x03 is the second northbound train of the day, etc.

;2021 – 2024
[[File:Caltrain F40PH-2CAT (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Caltrain F40PH-2CAT locomotive 915 with a two-digit placard "L5", indicating this is a 5xx limited-stop train]]
Between August 30, 2021, and September 2024, Caltrain used a modified numbering scheme.<ref name=20210830-weekday/><ref name=20210830-weekend/>
* The first digit reflects the stopping pattern:
** 1xx were local weekday trains making all regular stops
** 2xx were local weekend trains making all regular stops
** 3xx were limited weekday trains which skip selected stops, running local service between Lawrence and Redwood City
** 4xx were limited weekday trains which skip selected stops, running local between San Mateo and San Bruno
** 5xx were limited weekday trains which skip selected stops, running local between Palo Alto and Redwood City
** 7xx were Baby Bullet/express weekday trains which have the fewest stops, either seven southbound or eight northbound stops between San Jose and San Francisco
* The second and third digits are assigned sequentially within the service type
** These continue to reflect the direction of travel, so even numbers = southbound and odd = northbound. For example, 504 is the second southbound train within the 5xx stopping pattern.

In addition, during this period, the information provided on the two-digit physical placards on the leading element of the train (either the control car, for northbound trains, or the locomotive, for southbound trains) was changed to provide the stop pattern only. Two-digit train placards combined the basic stopping scheme (L for local or limited, B for Baby Bullet service) with the first digit of the train number; for example, train 501 is the first northbound train with the 5xx limited stop pattern, and would carry "L5" on the physical placard; in the pre-2021 scheme, this train would have carried "01" instead.

==Rolling stock==
===Electric multiple units===
<gallery heights=150px mode=packed caption="Caltrain [[Stadler KISS]] EMUs">
File:Caltrain Stadler KISS in San Jose 2023 dllu.jpg|New Caltrain [[Stadler KISS]] [[Electric multiple unit|EMU]] train undergoing testing in San Jose (Nov&nbsp;2023)
File:Caltrain EMU interior upper deck.jpg|Upper deck of Caltrain EMU passenger car (Sep&nbsp;2022)
File:Interior of Caltrain Stadler KISS EMU (August 2024).jpg|Lower entrance door, vestibule stairs, and gangway areas inside EMU passenger cars (Aug&nbsp;2024)
File:Caltrain (JPBX) 305, Anna Eshoo (side).jpg|#305 named for Rep. [[Anna Eshoo]] (Jan&nbsp;2025)
</gallery>
In August 2016, Caltrain awarded a $551 million contract to [[Stadler Rail]], which would produce the trainsets needed for running on the electrified line. The award was for 96 [[Stadler KISS]] [[Electric multiple unit|EMU cars]] arranged into 16 trainsets, scheduled to be delivered for testing by August 2019. Under the contract, Caltrain had the option to procure an additional 96 units in the future<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Vantuono |first=William C. |date=August 16, 2016 |title=For Caltrain, 16 KISSes from Stadler (but no FLIRTs) |url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/commuter-regional/for-caltrain-16-kisses-from-stadler-but-no-flirts.html |magazine=Railway Age |access-date=October 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 16, 2016 |title=Stadler wins big contract for Caltrain bilevel EMUs |url=http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2016/08/16-caltrain-stadler |magazine=Trains Magazine |access-date=October 16, 2016}}</ref> for an additional $385&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 16, 2016 |title=Caltrain signs double-deck EMU and electrification contracts |work=Railway Gazette |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/caltrain-signs-double-deck-emu-and-electrification-contracts.html |access-date=April 28, 2017}}</ref> In December 2018, Caltrain was reportedly carrying 65,000 passengers a day, and expected to have 240,000 daily riders in 2040. Therefore, after funding was received from the California State Transportation Agency's Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, Caltrain's board approved the purchase of additional cars from Stadler, increasing the order from 16 six-car sets to 19 seven-car sets.<ref name="B">{{Cite news |last=Staff |date=December 7, 2018 |title=Caltrain to purchase additional electric cars |work=[[San Mateo Daily Journal]] |url=https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/caltrain-to-purchase-additional-electric-cars/article_f46b0ef8-f9cd-11e8-bd28-73754e3643dc.html |access-date=December 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 10, 2018 |title=Caltrain to purchase additional electric rail cars |agency=Railway Technology |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/caltrain-to-purchase-additional-electric-rail-cars/ |access-date=December 11, 2018}}</ref><ref name="A">{{Cite news |date=December 7, 2018 |title=Caltrain ups its electric train order by a third |work=[[Silicon Valley Business Journal]] |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2018/12/07/caltrain-electric-train-cars-stadler-order.html |access-date=December 8, 2018}}</ref> 

In August 2023, Caltrain exercised an option order for four additional seven-car EMU trainsets ($220 million) and a single four-car [[battery electric multiple unit]] (BEMU) trainset ($80 million). This will result in a fleet of 23 EMU trainsets, six diesel-hauled trainsets, and one BEMU trainset by 2030, with over 90% of service using electric trains. The BEMU trainset will be used on the non-electrified portion of the corridor between Tamien and Gilroy.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://www.caltrain.com/media/31302/download |title=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board: Board of Directors Meeting |chapter=Approve Execution of Stadler Electric Multiple Unit Option and Funding Plan |date=August 3, 2023 |pages=88–95 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-pilot-first-nation-bi-level-dual-electric-and-battery-powered-train-expand-zero |title=Caltrain to Pilot First-in-the-Nation Bi-Level Dual Electric and Battery Powered Train to Expand Zero-Emission Service |date=August 3, 2023 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref>

New trains are double-decked and equipped for both {{convert|22|and|50.5|in|0|adj=on}} platform heights in anticipation of sharing facilities with [[California High-Speed Rail]] trains. The six-car EMU traisets would have been {{convert|515|ft|3|in}} long;<ref name="StadlerData2020">{{Cite web |title=KISS Double-Decker Electric Multiple Unit EMU for Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (CALTRAIN), California, USA |url=https://www.stadlerrail.com/media/pdf/kcal0220e_us.pdf |access-date=August 16, 2021 |date=February 2020}}</ref> as delivered, the seven-car EMU trains are {{cvt|598|ft|11.4|in}}.<ref name=Stadler2023>{{Cite web |title=KISS Double-Decker Electric Multiple Unit EMU for Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (CALTRAIN), California, USA |url=https://stadlerrail.com/media/pdf/kcal0823e_us.pdf |access-date=October 17, 2024 |date=August 2023}}</ref> Units can reach speeds of {{cvt|110|mph|0}}, though operations will likely be limited to {{convert|79|mph}}.<ref name=BlendOp />

Acceleration and deceleration of the EMUs are substantially better than the legacy diesel-electric trains. The legacy locomotives offer a starting [[tractive effort]] of {{convert|65000|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} for an EMD F40PH-2<ref>{{Cite web |title=EMD F40PH-2 |url=https://www.thedieselshop.us/Data%20EMD%20F40PH-2.HTML |access-date=April 28, 2017 |website=The Diesel Shop US}}</ref> and {{convert|85000|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} for an MPI M36PH-3C,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Motive Power Industries M36PH-3C |url=https://www.thedieselshop.us/Data%20MP36PH-3C.HTML |access-date=April 28, 2017 |website=The Diesel Shop US}}</ref> while a seven-car KISS EMU set has a starting tractive effort of {{cvt|645.85|kN|lbf|order=flip}}.<ref name=Stadler2023 />

The first Stadler KISS was completed by Stadler's [[Salt Lake City]] factory in July 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Tim |date=January 26, 2024 |title=Utah's Stadler rail plant rolling out clean trains to replace diesel |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/2024/01/16/utah-built-trains-are-putting/ |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> It was taken to the [[Transportation Technology Center]] in [[Pueblo, Colorado]], for high-speed testing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/first-caltrain-kiss-double-deck-emu-completed/ |title=First Caltrain Kiss double-deck EMU completed |work=[[International Railway Journal]] |date=July 30, 2020}}</ref>

Caltrain began public operation of its electrified trainsets on August 11, 2024, with two trainsets, adding more trains each week until the full rollout of electric service on September 21.<ref name="elecsoft" /><ref name="elecfull" />

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%;"
|+Electric multiple units of Caltrain
|-
! Builder !! Model !! Type !! Numbers !! Quantity !! Entered Service !! class="unsortable" | Notes !! class="unsortable" | Image
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[Stadler Rail|Stadler]] 
| rowspan="3" | [[Stadler KISS|KISS]]
| [[Electric multiple unit|EMU]] [[Control car|cab car]]
| 301–346
| 23 sets<br/>(46 cars)
| 2024 
| style="font-size:90%;" | #305 named for [[Anna Eshoo]];<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-names-train-honor-congresswoman-anna-eshoo |title=Caltrain Names Train in Honor of Congresswoman Anna Eshoo |date=September 19, 2024 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |access-date=October 17, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonporter887/54045626474 |title=Caltrain 305 still clean after weeks in service |first=Jon |last=Porter |date=October 5, 2024 |website=flickr |access-date=October 17, 2024}}</ref> the truck away from the cab is powered.<ref name=Stadler2023/>
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Caltrain EMU testing at Palo Alto station.jpg|125px]]
|-
|[[Electric multiple unit|EMU]] [[Passenger railroad car|passenger car]]
|3011–3456
|23 sets<br/>(115 cars)
|2024
| style="font-size:90%;" | Restrooms in 3xx1 cars; bicycle storage on 3xx2 and 3xx6 cars. Both trucks powered on 3xx1, 3xx3, and 3xx5 cars, as indicated by removal of vestibule seats.<ref name=Stadler2023/>
|-
| [[Battery electric multiple unit|BEMU]]
|
| 1 set<br/>(4 cars)
|
| style="font-size:90%;" | On order
|}

===Locomotives===
Prior to 1985, Caltrain used equipment leased from Southern Pacific, including SP/CDTX 3187, an [[EMD GP9]] repainted in prototype Caltrain livery<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter, Jon |date=May 15, 1982 |title=JPBX 3187 |url=http://www.railpictures.net/photo/467144/ |access-date=July 5, 2016 |website=Railpictures}}</ref> and other locomotives that had been used for the Peninsula Commute service. Since 1985, Caltrain has used the following [[locomotives]], which are almost all powered by [[diesel engine]]s:<ref name="fleet" />

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Caltrain locomotives<ref name=FleetInfo>{{cite web |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about-caltrain/statistics-reports/caltrain-fleet |title=Caltrain Fleet |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |access-date=20 November 2024}}</ref>
! Builder !! Model !! Locomotive Numbers !! Years of Service !! Notes !! Image
|-
| [[MotivePower|MPI]]
| [[EMD F40PH|F40PH-2C]]
| 920–922
| 1998&ndash;present
|  Cummins-powered HEP generators; underwent mid-life overhaul by MPI at [[Boise, Idaho]] between 2017 and 2020. Currently in service on the South County Connector.
| [[File:Caltrain JPBX 922 at Santa Clara Station.JPG|150px]] 
|-
| MPI
| {{nowrap|[[MPI MP36PH-3C|MP36PH-3C]]}}
| 923–928
| 2003&ndash;present
| Underwent mid-life overhaul by Alstom at [[Mare Island]] between 2020 and 2023. Currently in service on the South County Connector. No. 925 named after [[Jackie Speier]].
| [[File:Caltrain 923, MPI MP36 at Santa Clara, Dec 2024 – front qtr view.jpg|150px]]
|-
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]]
| [[EMD F40PH|F40PH-2]]
| 902, 903, 907, 910, 914 
| 1985&ndash;2024
| Ordered new by [[Caltrans]]; Overhauled by [[Alstom]] in 1999; HEP generators retained original gear drive from main engine. Retired when electric service began. Most were sold to Lima, Peru, one likely to be preserved at the [[Southern California Railway Museum]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Franz |first=Justin |date=October 16, 2024 |title=Effort Launched to Save Caltrain F40PH-2 |url=https://railfan.com/effort-launched-to-save-caltrain-f40ph-2/ |access-date=October 16, 2024 |website=Railfan & Railroad Magazine |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref name=Peru2024>{{cite news |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/caltrain-equipment-is-bound-for-peru/ |title=Caltrain equipment is bound for Peru |date=November 16, 2024 |work=Trains |access-date=18 November 2024}}</ref>
| [[File:Caltrain JPBX 910 at Millbrae Station.JPG|150px]]
|-
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| EMD
| {{nowrap|[[EMD F40PH|F40PH-2CAT]]}}
| 900, 901, 904–906, 908, 909, 911–913, 915–919
| 1985&ndash;2024
| Originally F40PH-2s; ordered new by Caltrans; overhauled by Alstom in 1999 and [[Head-end power|HEP]] generators were converted to separate Caterpillar 6-cylinder engines. Units 918 and 919 entered service in 1987. Most retired when electric service began, remaining units retired later. All have been sold to [[Lima]], [[Peru]]. <ref name=Peru2024/>
| [[File:Caltrain EMD F40PH at San Francisco.jpg|150px|Three [[EMD F40PH|EMD F40PH-2CATs]] at San Francisco.]]
|- 
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| rowspan=2 | EMD
| rowspan=2 | [[EMD GP9|GP9]]
| 3187
| 1980&ndash;1985
| Experimental "Rainbow" livery, leased from SP during transition to Caltrain.
| rowspan=2 | 
|- 
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| 500, 501
| 1999&ndash;2013
| Work train/yard switcher service. Leased, then purchased from Power Fluids & Metals in 2000 to support right-of-way rebuild under the Ponderosa Project.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2012 |title=Authorizing Disposition of Surplus Rolling Stock |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/__Agendas+and+Minutes/JPB/Board+of+Directors/Agendas/2012/030112+JPB+Agenda+Packet.pdf |access-date=September 30, 2018 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref> 500 and 501 are ex-SP&nbsp;3833 & SP&nbsp;3842, respectively. Sold to Motive Power Resources late 2012, left Caltrain on March 8, 2013. 
|-
| EMD
| [[EMD MP15DC|MP15DC]]
| 503, 504
| 2003&ndash;present
| Work train/yard switcher service. 503 and 504 are ex-SP 2691 and 2692, respectively;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sloan, Steve |title=Southern Pacific: 2690 |url=http://www.ssloan.net/trains/sp/2690.html |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=Steve Sloan Train Photos}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Southern Pacific MP15DC, 2690-2701 |url=http://espee.railfan.net/spmp15dc.html |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=my ESPEE Modelers Archive}}</ref> originally built 1974, sold 1994.<ref name="SRTP15">{{Cite report |url=https://caltrain.com/Assets/_Planning/Strategic+Plan/Strategic+Plan+FY2015+-+FY2024/Caltrain+Short+Range+Transit+Plan+-+FY2015-FY2024+-+Final.pdf |title=Caltrain Short Range Transit Plan: FY2015-2024 |date=October 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107040522/https://caltrain.com/Assets/_Planning/Strategic+Plan/Strategic+Plan+FY2015+-+FY2024/Caltrain+Short+Range+Transit+Plan+-+FY2015-FY2024+-+Final.pdf |archive-date=November 7, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{rp|18}}<ref name="SRTP18">{{Cite report |url=https://caltrain.com/Assets/_Planning/Caltrain+SRTP+-+FY18-27+-+Adopted.pdf |title=Caltrain Short Range Transit Plan: FY2018-2027 |date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711172410/https://caltrain.com/Assets/_Planning/Caltrain+SRTP+-+FY18-27+-+Adopted.pdf |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{rp|96}}
| [[File:JPBX 504, EMD MP15 (Dec 2024) - front qtr 2.jpg|150px|[[EMD MP15DC]] #504.]]
|- 
| EMD
| [[EMD AEM-7|AEM-7AC]]
| 929, 938
| 2023&ndash;present
| Ex-Amtrak AEM-7AC units 929 and 938, used for testing electrification.
|[[File:Caltrain 938 in new livery, December 2021.jpg|150px]]
|}

Caltrain also leased a number of Amtrak F40PH's in 1998 and 1999 while Caltrain's F40PH-2's were being overhauled.{{citation needed|date=February 2013}}

Since September 2024, newer diesel locomotives have been retained for service between Gilroy and San Jose. Revenue service between San Francisco and Tamien is provided by electric multiple units. Older diesel locomotives (built before 1987) were sold to Lima, Peru.<ref name=Peru2024/>

===Legacy passenger cars===
Before the rollout of all-electric service between San Francisco and Tamien in September 2024, Caltrain diesel trains consisted of one locomotive and a five- or six-car consist. Trains ran in a puller configuration (led by the locomotive) towards San Jose and in a pusher configuration (led by the cab car) towards San Francisco, so the orientation of cars remained consistent.

<gallery caption="Passenger areas of legacy Caltrain cars" heights=150px mode=packed>
File:Nippon Sharyo bi-level passenger car interior hallway.JPG|Interior of a Nippon Sharyo gallery car
File:Inside Caltrain.JPG|Structural trusses on a crowded gallery car
File:Caltrain trains 11 2018-09-09.jpg|Single seats on upper deck of a gallery car
File:Caltrain Bombardier BiLevel Coach interior, SF.JPG|Upper deck of a Bombardier BiLevel car
</gallery>
Caltrain had 93 [[Nippon Sharyo]] bi-level [[Gallery Car|Gallery-type cars]] and 41 [[Bombardier BiLevel Coach]]es in revenue service in 2017. Each revenue train consist was made up of a single type of car, i.e., the passenger cars in trains were either all gallery or all bilevel, never mixed. Of the Gallery cars, 66 were coaches and 27 were bike-accessible [[cab car]]s. [[Caltrans]] purchased the first 63 gallery cars in 1985 when it began subsidizing the commuter rail service. The other 30 were purchased by Caltrain in 2000, and the older cars were rebuilt by Nippon Sharyo around the same time.<ref name="fleet" />

The first 17 Bombardier BiLevel Coaches were purchased as surplus from [[Sounder Commuter Rail]] in 2002, of which 10 are coaches, 5 are cab-bike cars, and 2 are cab-wheelchair cars.<ref name="fleet" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=August 9, 2001 |title=Sound Transit Motion No. M2001-72 |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/html/board/motions/html/motionm2001-72.html |access-date=March 25, 2017 |publisher=Sound Transit}}</ref> Caltrain purchased an additional eight cars in 2008 to meet short-term passenger growth and to increase [[spare ratio]]. These Bombardier cars were initially only used on Baby Bullet express trains, but now also used on limited-stop and local trains.

Caltrain bought 14 remanufactured [[Budd Rail Diesel Car]] ("Boise Budd") single-level cars from [[Virginia Railway Express]] around 2000 for use on Special-Event trains.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Middleton |first=William D. |date=April 1, 2002 |title=Transit, the San Francisco treat: with $10.2 billion in projects on the drawing board, rail transit expansion continues at a rapid pace in the San Francisco region |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-90886405.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516101030/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-90886405.html |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=March 3, 2013 |website=[[Railway Age]]}}</ref> A seven-car special train took fans to the first game at [[Pac Bell Park]] on March 31, 2000. The northbound train ran at an estimated 125% of capacity and skipped stops after Hillsdale because it was already well above seated capacity.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Simon, Mark |date=April 1, 2000 |title=Caltrain Tries Fans' Souls / Parkbound trains were late, hot, overcrowded |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Caltrain-Tries-Fans-Souls-Parkbound-trains-2766275.php |access-date=April 26, 2017 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> These cars were sold in 2005 after Bombardier cars were delivered and are now in service on the [[Grand Canyon Railway]].<ref>{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=629 |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2005 |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2005 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |quote=In July 2005, the PCJPB Board of Directors authorized the retirement and sale of twelve 1952 Budd passenger trailers, two 1952 Budd cab control cars and one lot of spare parts. When the PCJPB acquired this equipment in 2000, it was subject to a 1982 Safe Harbor Lease pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 168(f)(8). The PCJPB sold this equipment to Grand Canyon Railway, Inc. of Flagstaff, Arizona for $604,000. The PCJPB incurred sale costs of $112,657, the majority of which went towards fulfilling its obligations under the Safe Harbor Lease and towards minimizing any related potential liabilities |access-date=July 3, 2016}}</ref>

[[File:JPBX 165 (28108962556).jpg|thumb|right|JPBX 165, an ex-[[Metrolink (California)|Metrolink]] car in Caltrain service]]
Caltrain purchased 16 used Bombardier BiLevel Coaches from [[Metrolink (California)|Metrolink]] in 2014 to cope with increasing ridership by lengthening certain Bombardier sets from five to six cars.<ref name="RailAge14">{{Cite news |last=Vantuono, William C. |date=September 5, 2014 |title=Caltrain acquiring surplus cars to ease peak crunch |url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/commuter-regional/caltrain-acquiring-surplus-cars-to-ease-peak-crunch.html |access-date=March 28, 2017 |work=Railway Age}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=May 8, 2015 |title=Caltrain ridership hits all-time high – again |url=http://www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/lnews/2015-05-08/caltrain-ridership-hits-all-time-high-again/1776425142987.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329050753/http://www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/lnews/2015-05-08/caltrain-ridership-hits-all-time-high-again/1776425142987.html |archive-date=March 29, 2017 |access-date=March 28, 2017 |work=San Mateo Daily Journal }}</ref> The $15&nbsp;million purchase was financed by a farebox revenue fund.<ref name="RailAge14" /> Since the cars had retired from Metrolink service, they required rehabilitation before being placed in service with Caltrain.<ref name="RailAge14" /> The ex-Metrolink cars were of older Series 1 and 2<ref name="RailAge14" /> that have riveted bodies, instead of the welded bodies in the Series 6 and 7 cars that Caltrain had purchased starting from 2002.<ref name="fleet" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Garcia, Daniel |last2=Bow, James |last3=Brain, Edward |date=January 17, 2016 |title=The Bi-Level Coaches (1977–?) |url=http://transit.toronto.on.ca/regional/2507.shtml |access-date=March 28, 2017 |website=Transit Toronto: Public Transit in the GTA, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow |quote=The series six cars were delivered throughout 2002, and featured a number of improvements. There was a large, fully-accessible washroom on the lower levels (instead of the tiny washroom cubicle in the intermediate level), brighter interior lighting, glow-in-the-dark step and walkway edges, and larger side windows. The exterior was made of welded aluminum with HVAC and doorway equipment that was more easily accessible.}}</ref>

Ex-Metrolink cars retained their Metrolink blue-on-white livery, but Metrolink logos were painted over and rolling stock numbers were repainted with JPBX numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keller, Matt |date=May 11, 2015 |title=Caltrain adds 6th car to 4 Bombardier trains |url=http://abc7news.com/traffic/caltrain-adds-6th-car-to-4-bombardier-trains/713574/ |access-date=August 29, 2016 |website=ABC 7 News |quote=The new cars are easy to spot. They have navy blue paint on a white background standing out next to the red and grey cars.}}</ref> All five-car Bombardier sets were lengthened to six-car Bombardier sets using surplus ex-Metrolink cars in May 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=May 7, 2015 |title=Caltrain to roll out six-car trains |work=San Mateo Daily Journal |url=http://www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/lnews/2015-05-07/caltrain-to-roll-out-six-car-trains/1776425142927.html |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329051529/http://www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/lnews/2015-05-07/caltrain-to-roll-out-six-car-trains/1776425142927.html |archive-date=March 29, 2017 }}</ref> In July 2016, six-car Bombardier sets replaced some five-car gallery sets to relieve overcrowding.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain to Swap Train Sets This Month for More Capacity and Maintenance |date=July 14, 2016 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Page4493.aspx |access-date=March 28, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728200513/http://www.caltrain.com/Page4493.aspx |archive-date=July 28, 2016 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> }}</ref> In November 2016, Caltrain rolled out six-car gallery sets for certain trains to further relieve overcrowding; the longer trains were a temporary measures to increase capacity until more frequent service can be achieved with electrification.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain Increasing Capacity By Adding More Trains During Commute Hours |date=November 8, 2016 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |url=http://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/News_Archive/Caltrain_Increasing_Capacity_By_Adding_More_Trains_During_Commute_Hours.html |access-date=March 28, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329050144/http://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/News_Archive/Caltrain_Increasing_Capacity_By_Adding_More_Trains_During_Commute_Hours.html |archive-date=March 29, 2017 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> }}</ref>

After September 2024, electric multiple units displaced the legacy diesel locomotive and passenger car fleet for service between San Francisco and Tamien. The newer MPI diesel locomotives and bilevel passenger cars have been retained for service on the southern segment between San Jose and Gilroy. 19 locomotives and 90 gallery cars, built between 1985 and 1987, have been sold at a nominal price of US$6&nbsp;million to [[Lima, Peru]], and will be used in a new commuter rail service;<ref name=Peru2024/> the service is predicted to displace the equivalent of 4,000 cars per day between the eastern suburbs ([[Lurigancho-Chosica|Chosica]]) and the seashore ([[Callao]]) in the Lima metropolitan area.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-caltrain-donation-ceremony/ |title=Secretary Antony J. Blinken At Caltrain Donation Ceremony |date=November 16, 2024 |publisher=U.S. Department of State |access-date=18 November 2024}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%;"
|+Passenger Cars of Caltrain<ref name=FleetInfo/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Commute Fleets |url=http://www.caltrain.com/about/statsandreports/commutefleets.html |access-date=September 8, 2017 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref><ref name=SRTP15/>{{rp|77–80}}<ref name=SRTP18/>{{rp|91–95}}
|-
!Builder
!Model
!Type
!Numbers
!Quantity
!Seats
! Entered Service !! Left Service
!Notes
! class="unsortable" | Image
|-
| rowspan=6 | [[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]]
| rowspan=6 | [[Bombardier BiLevel Coach|Bi-Level]]
| rowspan=3 | Trailer
| 220-226, 229-230
| 9
| 144
| 2002 || present
| rowspan=2 style="font-size:95%;" | 220 & 226 built 2003. With [[Accessibility|accessible]] bathroom
| rowspan=6 |[[File:Caltrain cab car at San Jose Diridon station, November 2019.JPG |125px|Bombardier consist at San Jose Diridon station.]]
|-
| 231-236
| 6
| 140
| 2008 || present
|-
| 164; 165; 167; 169; 170-173; 175-182
| 16
| 149
| 2015 || present
| style="font-size:95%;" |With accessible bathroom.<br />Purchased from [[Metrolink (California)|Metrolink]].<ref name="CaltrainMetro">{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2014 |title=Caltrain Moves Forward With New Rail Car Purchase |url=http://www.caltrain.com/about/news/Caltrain_Moves_Forward_With_New_Rail_Car_Purchase.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213192105/http://www.caltrain.com/about/news/Caltrain_Moves_Forward_With_New_Rail_Car_Purchase.html |archive-date=February 13, 2015 |access-date=January 31, 2015 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref><br />Originally built in 1997.
|-
| rowspan=3 | Cab-Bike
| 112-118
| 7
| 114
| rowspan=1 | 2002 || rowspan=1 | present
| rowspan=3 style="font-size:95%;" | With accessible bathroom
|-
| 119-120
| 2
| 114
| 2008 || present
|-
| 219
| 1
| 127
| 2002 || present
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| rowspan=7 | [[Nippon Sharyo]]
| rowspan=7 | [[Gallery Car|Gallery]]
| Trailer-Luggage
| 3800-3825
| 26
| 142
| rowspan=3 | 1985
| rowspan=7 | 2024
| rowspan=4 style="font-size:95%;" | 3842 built in 1987. Rebuilt by Nippon Sharyo 2001–02
| rowspan=7 |[[File:Northbound train at Millbrae station, January 2011.jpg|125px|Gallery cars at Millbrae]]
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| Trailer-Bike
| 3826-3835
| 10
| 108
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| rowspan=3 | Trailer
| 3836-3841
| 6
| rowspan=2 | 148
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| 3842-3851
| 10
| 1986
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| 3852-3865
| 14
| 120
| 2000
| style="font-size:95%;" |With wheelchair space and bathroom
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| rowspan=2 | Cab-Bike
| 4000-4020
| 21
| 97
| 1985
| style="font-size:95%;" |With bathroom
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| 4021-4026
| 6
| 78
| 2000
| style="font-size:95%;" |With wheelchair space and bathroom
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| rowspan=2 | [[Budd Company|Budd]]
| rowspan=2 | [[Budd Rail Diesel Car|Rail Diesel Car]]
| Trailer
| 400-403; 406-407; 410-411; 413, 415, 425, 428
| 12
|
| rowspan=2 | 2000 || rowspan=2 | 2005
| rowspan=2 style="font-size:95%;" | Built in 1952, acquired in 2000 for use on special event trains. Engine removed. Sold to [[Grand Canyon Railway]] in 2005.<ref>{{Cite report |url=http://www.caltrain.com/pdf/BOD_Agenda_Reports/7_07_05/Safe_Harbor_Lease.pdf |title=Authorization to terminate Safe Harbor Lease encumbering rolling stock; rejection of bids for sale of surplus rolling stock; and authorization to award suprplus rolling stock to Grand Canyon Railways, Inc. |last1=Cameron, George |last2=Harrington, Gigi |date=July 7, 2005 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060528231657/http://www.caltrain.com/pdf/BOD_Agenda_Reports/7_07_05/Safe_Harbor_Lease.pdf |archive-date=May 28, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| rowspan=2 |[[File:May 2000x4 (34790963571).jpg|125px]]
|- style="background: #D3D3D3;"
| Cab-Control
| 1400, 1406
| 2
|
|}


===Miscellaneous/Maintenance-of-Way===
Caltrain has several cars used for track maintenance, such as JPBX 505, a track geometry car. Some other rolling stock is infrequently used for special service, such as on the Holiday Train, an annual non-revenue train decorated with lights, carrying volunteer carolers, and making limited stops for toy donations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caltrain Holiday Train presented by Silicon Valley Community Foundation |url=http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/specialevents/holidaytrain.html |access-date=September 26, 2017 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board}}</ref> The annual event began in 2001. It is sponsored by the [[Silicon Valley Community Foundation]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Holiday train makes its annual appearance at Menlo Park Caltrain station|first=Linda|last=Hubbard|work=InMenlo|location=Menlo Park, California|date=December 10, 2019|accessdate=December 7, 2024|url=https://inmenlo.com/2019/12/10/holiday-train-makes-its-annual-appearance-at-menlo-park-caltrain-station/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=This Magic Moment: Holiday Train with Santa Aboard Lights Up the Night|first=Diane|last=Andrews|work=The Silicon Valley Voice|publisher=The Santa Clara Weekly|location=Santa Clara, California|date=December 25, 2013|accessdate=December 7, 2024|url=https://www.svvoice.com/this-magic-moment-holiday-train-with-santa-aboard-lights-up-the-night/}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Non-Revenue Rolling Stock of Caltrain<ref name=SRTP18/>{{rp|96–97}}<ref><!--Apologies for the forum link. These cars are generally not used unless on the Holiday Train.-->{{Cite web |author=((shed47)) |date=November 9, 2006 |title=Port of Redwood City and a Caltrain Xmas |url=https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,1277490 |access-date=September 26, 2017 |publisher=Trainorders}}</ref><ref><!--Apologies for the forum link.-->{{Cite web |last=walstib |date=November 25, 2011 |title=Caltrain Test Car |url=https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,2620990 |access-date=September 26, 2017 |publisher=Trainorders}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan=2 | Builder !! rowspan=2 | Model !! rowspan=2 | Type !! rowspan=2 | Numbers !! rowspan=2 | Quantity !! colspan=2 | Year !! rowspan=2 class="unsortable" | Notes !! rowspan=2 class="unsortable" | Image
|-
! Entered Service !! Left Service
|-
| [[Budd Company|Budd]]
| [[SPV-2000]]
| [[Track geometry car]]
| 505
| 1
| 2007 || present
| Ex-[[Federal Railroad Administration]] (DOTX T-10) 
|[[File:Caltrain SPV-2000 in San Francisco, February 2007.jpg|125px|Budd SPV-2000 at 4th and Townsend]]
|-
| 
| 
| [[Caboose]]
| 598, 599
| 2
| 2000 || present
| Ex-SP Bay Window caboose, built 1974.
|[[File:Caltrain cabooses in San Francisco yard, December 2017.jpg|125px|Cabooses at 4th and Townsend yard]]
|-
| 
| 
| rowspan=3 | [[Flatcar]]
| 301–304
| 4
| {{data missing|date=October 2024}} || present
| 
|
|-
| 
| 
| 701–704
| 4
| {{data missing|date=October 2024}} || present
| Built 1975.
|
|-
| 
| 
| 711MW, 712MW
| 2
| {{data missing|date=October 2024}} || present
| Formerly from [[Golden Gate Railroad Museum]]; generally used for Holiday Train.
|[[File:San Francisco yard, holiday train cars, Caltrain (42754086244).jpg|125px|Flatcars with Holiday Train decorations at 4th & Townsend]]
|-
| Max
| E530
| [[Gondola (rail)|Gondola]]
| 851
| 1
| {{data missing|date=October 2024}} || present
| Built 1976.
|
|-
| 
| 
| rowspan=5 | [[Ballast hopper]]
| 601–606
| 6
| {{data missing|date=October 2024}} || present
| Built 1975 & 1976. Overhauled 2000.
|
|-
| 
| 
| 11309, 11315, 11341
| 3
| {{data missing|date=October 2024}} || present
| Built 1957.
|
|-
| 
| 
| 11362, 11369, 11379
| 3
| {{data missing|date=October 2024}} || present
| Built 1954.
|
|-
| 
| 
| 11542, 11573, 11579
| 3
| {{data missing|date=October 2024}} || present
| Built 1971.
|
|-
| 
| 
| 11583, 11604, 11612, 11654, 11706, 11723
| 6
| {{data missing|date=October 2024}} || present
| Built 1978.
|
|-
| Difco
| M110
| [[Gondola (rail)|Side dump]]
| 881–883
| 3
| {{data missing|date=October 2024}} || present
| Built 1978.
|
|}

==Intermodal connections==

===Inter-City, Regional and Commuter rail===
Caltrain has direct connections to three [[regional rail]] services; [[Bay Area Rapid Transit|Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)]] (with service to San Francisco, SFO, Oakland, Fremont, Richmond, Dublin, Concord, and Pittsburg) at [[Millbrae station|Millbrae]], [[Amtrak]]'s ''[[Capitol Corridor]]'' and ''[[Coast Starlight]]'' trains, as well as the ''[[Altamont Corridor Express]]'' at [[San Jose Diridon station]] and the [[Santa Clara Transit Center]].

The future [[San Jose BART extension]] would also introduce connecting BART service at Diridon station and Santa Clara station. The proposed Downtown Rail Extension (now known as [[The Portal (San Francisco)|The Portal]]), if completed, would connect Caltrain and the [[California High-Speed Rail]] project to BART in San Francisco proper through an underground pedestrian walkway between Caltrain platforms at the [[Salesforce Transit Center]] and BART's [[Embarcadero station]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=BART/Muni Underground Pedestrian Connector « Transbay Program |url=https://tjpa.org/project/seis-eir/bartmuni-underground-pedestrian-connector |access-date=February 13, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> 

===Bus/Light rail===
[[File:VTA LRT at Diridon Station (12541465765).jpg|thumb|left|[[VTA light rail]] train emerges from the western portal of its tunnel beneath Diridon station]]
Caltrain is served by a number of local bus/rail systems. These systems include the [[San Francisco Municipal Railway]] (Muni), [[San Mateo County Transit District]] (SamTrans) and [[Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority]] (VTA). (Additionally, [[Golden Gate Transit]] of [[Marin County, California|Marin]] and [[Sonoma County, California|Sonoma]] Counties is within 20 minutes' walking distance, or a short Muni ride via the [[N Judah|N]] or [[T Third Street|T]] lines, from [[San Francisco 4th and King Street station|Caltrain's northern terminus]].)

In August 2005, as part of its Vasona light rail project, [[VTA light rail]] established its third transfer point with Caltrain at [[San Jose, California|San Jose]]'s central train station Diridon. In addition to many bus connections, VTA light rail service has two other Caltrain transfer points at San Jose's [[Tamien station|Tamien]] and at [[Downtown Mountain View station|Mountain View]]. 

[[File:N Judah platform at 4th and King from midblock crossing, April 2018.JPG|thumb|right|[[San Francisco Municipal Railway|Muni]] platform for [[N Judah]] at 4th and King, southeast of Caltrain station]]
The [[San Francisco Municipal Railway]] (Muni) has two light rail connections, the [[N Judah]] and [[T Third Street]] lines, at separate stops near the San Francisco 4th and King station. Muni intended to establish another light rail connection to the Bayshore station at [[Visitacion Valley]] in southern San Francisco for the T Third line, but this has been delayed indefinitely due to cost and design issues. The T Third opened on April 18, 2007, without the connection to Bayshore station.{{Cn|date=February 2023}} If the aforementioned Downtown Rail Extension (now known as [[The Portal (San Francisco)|The Portal]]) is completed, the underground walkway between the Salesforce Transit Center and Embarcadero station would also connect Caltrain to Muni Metro's [[F Market & Wharves]], [[J Church]], [[K Ingleside]], and [[M Ocean View]], as well as providing a second connection to the N Judah and linking Caltrain with the [[San Francisco cable car system|California street cable car line]]. The extension to the Salesforce Transit Center would also directly link Caltrain with more Muni bus routes, transbay buses operated by [[AC Transit]] and [[Golden Gate Transit]], and intercity buses operated by [[Greyhound Lines|Greyhound]] and [[Megabus (North America)|Megabus]], as well as place Caltrain within walking distance of the [[San Francisco Ferry Building|Ferry Building]].<ref name=":0" />

===Airport===
[[File:Millbrae station from Millbrae Avenue, July 2018.JPG|thumb|right|[[Millbrae station|Millbrae Intermodal Station]], July 2018]]
;San Francisco
Caltrain passengers may transfer to [[Bay Area Rapid Transit|BART]] or [[SamTrans]] at the [[Millbrae station|Millbrae Intermodal Station]] for travel to [[San Francisco International Airport]] (SFO).

Prior to the opening of the [[History of Bay Area Rapid Transit#San Francisco International Airport extension (1984–2003)|BART SFO extension]] in 2003, a free shuttle bus operated between Millbrae and the airport.<ref>{{Cite web |last=accountablevta |date=June 7, 2007 |title=VTA Watch: BART plans to screw Caltrain connection to SFO |url=http://vtawatch.blogspot.com/2007/06/bart-plans-to-screw-caltrain-connection.html |access-date=November 30, 2011 |publisher=Vtawatch.blogspot.com}}</ref> On June 24, 2018, SamTrans launched [[List of SamTrans bus lines|Route SFO]], which provides service using buses equipped with luggage racks between the station platform at Millbrae and regular samTrans SFO terminal stops. Fares on Route SFO match samTrans local pricing.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=SamTrans Launches ECR Rapid, Route SFO |date=June 19, 2018 |publisher=samTrans |url=http://www.samtrans.com/about/MediaRelations/news/SamTrans_Launches_ECR_Rapid__Route_SFO.html |access-date=June 29, 2018 |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809060936/http://www.samtrans.com/about/MediaRelations/news/SamTrans_Launches_ECR_Rapid__Route_SFO.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2018 |title=Route SFO |url=http://www.samtrans.com/schedulesandmaps/timetables/Route_SFO.html |access-date=June 29, 2018 |publisher=samTrans}}</ref> Due to low ridership, as part of the Reimagine SamTrans plan implementation, Route SFO was discontinued in summer 2022; route 292 was modified to connect Millbrae station with SFO.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.samtrans.com/media/8383/download?inline |title=Draft Initial Study/Negative Declaration: Reimagine SamTrans |date=January 2022 |publisher=San Mateo County Transit District |page=15 |access-date=October 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.samtrans.com/schedules/timetableupdates |title=Route Changes (effective August 7, 2022) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819083448/https://www.samtrans.com/schedules/timetableupdates |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |url-status=dead |publisher=San Mateo County Transit District}}</ref>

;San Jose
Caltrain passengers can connect to [[San Jose International Airport]] by disembarking at the [[Santa Clara Transit Center]] and transferring to northbound [[Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority|VTA]] [[List of VTA bus routes#60|bus route 60]] towards Milpitas, which boards at the bus bay adjacent to the southbound Caltrain platform.<ref name="Caltrain-airports">{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2014 |title=Rider Information > Destinations > Airports |url=http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/destinations/Airports.html |access-date=December 6, 2014 |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref> VTA generally uses specialized equipment for route 60 with buses branded "Airport Flyer" which are equipped with luggage racks in the center of the bus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.svtransitusers.org/transit-guides/sjc |title=Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) Transit Guide |website=Silicon Valley Transit Users |access-date=18 December 2024}}</ref> In addition to Caltrain, route 60 also serves BART from its northern terminus of [[Milpitas station]] and serves [[VTA Light Rail]] with stops at [[Winchester Transit Center|Winchester]] and [[Metro/Airport station]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flysanjose.com/node/4191 |title=Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) |publisher=San Jose Mineta International Airport}}</ref>

;Oakland
Passengers using public transit to travel through [[Oakland International Airport]] generally use the BART [[Oakland Airport Connector]] from [[Oakland Coliseum station|Coliseum station]], which means Caltrain passengers must transfer to BART since Caltrain does not run in the East Bay. For Caltrain passengers, Millbrae offers the most direct transfer between Caltrain and BART.
* Millbrae: transfer to BART by boarding a [[Red Line (BART)|Red Line]] train and subsequently transfer to a southbound [[Blue Line (BART)|Blue]] (with a final destination of Dublin/Pleasanton) or [[Green Line (BART)|Green Line]] (Berryessa) train at some point between [[Daly City station|Daly City]] and [[West Oakland station|West Oakland]].

Other stations also can be used to transfer to BART, involving one or more intermediate connections and transit systems. From north to south, these include:
* Hillsdale: <s>transfer to [[AC Transit]] Line M at [[Hillsdale Shopping Center]] and then transfer to northbound BART Orange (Richmond) or Green Line (Daly City) service at [[Hayward station (BART)|Hayward]].</s> AC Transit Line M was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and {{as of|2024|lc=yes}} has not been reinstated.
* Mountain View: transfer to VTA light rail by boarding the [[Orange Line (VTA)|Orange Line]], then transfer to northbound BART [[Orange Line (BART)|Orange]] (Richmond) or Green Line (Daly City) service at [[Milpitas station|Milpitas]].
* Palo Alto: transfer to AC Transit Line U and then transfer to northbound BART Orange or Green Line services at [[Fremont station (BART)|Fremont]]. Alternatively, transfer to [[Dumbarton Express]] and then transfer to a northbound BART Orange or Green Line train at [[Union City station|Union City]].
* San Jose Diridon: transfer to VTA light rail by boarding the [[Green Line (VTA)|Green Line]] at San Jose Diridon, then transfer to the VTA Orange Line at some point between Champion and Old Ironsides, and finally transfer to northbound BART Orange or Green Line at Milpitas.

===Regional express bus===
Caltrain is also served by [[AC Transit]] at Palo Alto station (Line U). This is in addition to the [[Dumbarton Express]] from Union City/Fremont at Palo Alto. Furthermore, Amtrak's [[Highway 17 Express]] bus from [[Santa Cruz, California|Santa Cruz]] at San Jose, as well as [[San Benito County Express]] from [[Hollister, California|Hollister]] and [[Monterey-Salinas Transit]] from [[Salinas, California|Salinas]] at Gilroy.

===Bus shuttle===
Caltrain sponsors many shuttle routes serving local employers on the Peninsula and in Silicon Valley. Shuttle connections via the [[Stanford Marguerite Shuttle]] are available to [[Stanford University]] at the Palo Alto and California Avenue stations and [[San Jose State University]] at the San Jose station.

==Bicycle access==
{{multiple image |align=right |direction=horizontal |total_width=250px |title=Bicycle car signage
 |image1=Caltrain-BikeCarSign.svg |caption1="Bike Car" sign posted on gallery & bilevel cars
 |image2=Door T2 of Caltrain EMU car 3236.jpg |caption2=Bicycle graphics on EMU door windows
}}
Caltrain was one of the first commuter rail services to add bicycle capacity to its trains, inaugurating bicycle service in 1992 by allowing four bikes on certain trains.<ref name=IncrCap>{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain to Increase Bike Capacity on Trains |date=February 6, 2009 |publisher=Joint Powers Board |url=http://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/News_Archive/Caltrain_to_Increase_Bike_Capacity_on_Trains.html |access-date=July 5, 2016 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> By 2016, up to 80 bicycles could be carried per train in two or three bike cars. After the EMU fleet entered revenue service in 2024, each seven-car train has two bike cars.

===Bicycle policies===
Legacy gallery and bilevel passenger cars with bike racks have a yellow "Bike Car" sign posted on the exterior next to the door. EMU bike cars have white bicycles stenciled on the windows of the doors. Cyclists are required to tie their bicycle to the rack with the [[bungee cord]] provided, and must be racked so they do not protrude into the aisle. Each rack can accommodate four bicycles. Because the bikes are stacked together against the racks, most riders place a destination tag, available from a conductor, on their bicycles to optimize placement and minimize shuffling.<ref name="BikeInfo">{{Cite web |date=April 9, 2015 |title=Bicycle General Info |url=http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/Bicycles/Bicycle_General_Info.html |access-date=May 11, 2015 |publisher=Caltrain |archive-date=May 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510064211/http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/Bicycles/Bicycle_General_Info.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2013 |title=Bicycle Tags |url=http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/Bicycles/Bicycle_Tags.html |access-date=May 11, 2015 |website=Bicycle Tags |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref>

Cyclists must be at least six years old, and cyclists younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult and capable of carrying their own bike on and off the train.<ref name=BikeInfo /> Bicycles must be single-rider, with a maximum of {{convert|80|in}} in length, and tandem or three-wheel bikes are not allowed. Bulky attachments such as training wheels, trailers, saddlebags, and baskets are similarly not allowed.<ref name=BikeInfo /> [[Folding bicycle]]s are not restricted and can be carried on any car when folded; they may not be placed on seats or block aisles.<ref name=BikeInfo />

===History of bikes on Caltrain===
<gallery mode=packed heights=150px widths=200px caption="Bicycle areas on Caltrain">
File:Bike Car (559390353).jpg|Caltrain gallery car, looking towards vestibule
File:Caltrain Bombardier (Metrolink) (29018434103) (2).jpg|Caltrain Bombardier bilevel car (ex-Metrolink)
File:Interior overview of Caltrain EMU car 3236.jpg|Caltrain Stadler KISS EMU
</gallery>
The initial pilot program launched in 1992 allowed up to four bikes per train for off-peak service, and bicycles were carried in the cab car (northernmost car). Bicycle capacity was expanded to twelve bikes per train for all trains in 1995, followed by a doubling to 24 bikes per train for all trains in 1996.<ref name="bikesoncaltrain">{{Cite web |last=Bartholomew, Tasha |date=May 14, 2015 |title=Bikes on Caltrain: Leading the nation in bringing bikes onboard |url=https://peninsulamoves.org/2015/05/14/bikes-on-caltrain-leading-the-nation-in-bringing-bikes-onboard/ |access-date=July 14, 2016 |website=Peninsula Moves (Caltrain blog)}}</ref> Only the cab/control car of each train consist was modified for bicycle service.<ref name="Aug09">{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain Bicycle Service August Update - August 1, 2009 |date=August 1, 2009 |publisher=Caltrain |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Page92.aspx |access-date=July 5, 2016 |author=Simon, Mark}}</ref>

Starting in 2001, additional gallery cars were modified for bicycle service.<ref name=bikesoncaltrain /> Gallery cars modified for bicycle service removed seats from the lower level in the north half of the car, resulting in space to carry 32 bicycles per car. By 2006, Bombardier cars were also modified for bicycle service by partially removing seats from the lower level of the car, resulting in space to carry 16 bicycles per car.<ref name=IncrCap /> Additional bicycle capacity was proposed by removing some seats from bicycle cars. Initially Caltrain rejected this idea because some trains are operated at seated capacity<ref name="bike faq">{{Cite web |title=Caltrain Bike FAQ |url=http://www.caltrain.com/caltrain_bike_faqs.html |access-date=April 9, 2008 |publisher=Caltrain}}</ref> and the seat removal would take space from other passengers. However, in early 2009 Caltrain announced that it would be expanding bicycle capacity by 8 spots by removing some seats in the bike cars, bringing bike capacity to 40 bikes on gallery cars and 24 bikes on Bombardier cars.<ref name=IncrCap /> The expansion started several months later.<ref name=Aug09 /> After this, bike capacity on trains has been expanded by increasing the number of bike cars in a consist, rather than further modifying cars.
[[File:Caltrain locking bicycle.jpg|thumb|right|A passenger secures a bicycle onboard Caltrain gallery car]]
In fall 2009, all Bombardier consists and some gallery consists substituted a second bike car for one of the passenger trailers. The remaining gallery consists continued with a single bike car,<ref name=May09 /> resulting in a carrying capacity of 48 bicycles on Bombardier consists or 40–80 bicycles on gallery consists with one or two bike cars, respectively.<ref name=Aug09 /> Due to demand, in 2011, the remaining gallery sets modified a passenger trailer to take bicycles, giving two bike cars to all consists, increasing capacity on all gallery consists to 80 bicycles per train.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2011 |title=Bicycles |url=http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/Bicycles/Bicycle_General_Info.html |access-date=December 1, 2011 |publisher=Caltrain.com |archive-date=November 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115175131/http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/Bicycles/Bicycle_General_Info.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> 10 gallery trailer cars, 3826-3835, had their lower-level seats removed in 2011.<ref name="fleet" /><ref name="2cars">{{Cite web |date=June 1, 2011 |title=Caltrain Now Has Two Bike Cars on Every Train |url=http://www.caltrain.com/about/News_Archive/Caltrain_Now_Has_Two_Bike_Cars_on_Every_Train.html |access-date=December 2, 2013 |publisher=CalTrain |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020927/http://www.caltrain.com/about/News_Archive/Caltrain_Now_Has_Two_Bike_Cars_on_Every_Train.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Although the Baby Bullet runs initially used five-car Bombardier consists, many of the Baby Bullet runs returned to five-car gallery sets due to their superior bicycle capacity, since demand for bicycle car access was high.

Prior to 2016, both Bombardier and gallery trains used five-car consists. With the purchase of Bombardier cars from Metrolink, Caltrain announced in January 2015 that roughly half of the additional ex-Metrolink cars will be converted to bike cars with capacity for 24 bikes, so some trains running Bombardier cars will be six-car consists, of which three will be bike cars.<ref name="SMDJ150113">{{Cite news |last=Weigel, Samantha |date=January 13, 2015 |title=Caltrain to make more bike room: Transit agency to refurbish new rail cars for additional bicyclists |work=San Mateo Daily Journal |url=http://www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/lnews/2015-01-13/caltrain-to-make-more-bike-room-transit-agency-to-refurbish-new-rail-cars-for-additional-bicyclists/1776425136546.html |url-status=dead |access-date=April 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150406074704/http://www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/lnews/2015-01-13/caltrain-to-make-more-bike-room-transit-agency-to-refurbish-new-rail-cars-for-additional-bicyclists/1776425136546.html |archive-date=April 6, 2015}}</ref>

Six-car Bombardier consists started running in May 2015, but the third car was not converted for bike service until March 2016. Five of the Bombardier cars were refurbished as bike cars and entered service in March 2016. All Bombardier consists are now six-car sets with three bike cars and three passenger cars. The third bike car is just south of the existing southern bike car. The third bike car is being placed next to the other bike car to help conductors to manage bike capacity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 21, 2016 |title=Peninsula Corridor JPB Caltrain Rail Transportation Group Generation II Cars Update |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Public+Affairs/Government+Affairs/pdf/Metrolink+Car+Update+Presentation+BAC+1.21.16.pdf |access-date=March 10, 2016 |website=Caltrain |publisher=Bicycle Advisory Committee}}</ref> Official bike capacity for six-car Bombardier consists is 72 (24 bikes × 3 cars), comparable to the 80-bike capacity of five-car gallery consists (40 bikes × 2 cars).

The EMUs which began revenue service in 2024 have two bicycle cars with a total capacity of 72 bikes per train, carrying 36 bicycles in each car.

===Capacity issues===
[[File:Caltrain bikes palo alto.jpg|thumb|right|Bicyclists waiting to board Caltrain at [[Palo Alto station]]]]
The variation on bicycle capacity between trainsets generated criticisms from the bicycling community, as cyclists may be denied boarding when a train reaches its bicycle capacity. The Baby Bullets, favored by many cyclists, often used lower bike-capacity Bombardier cars and some cyclists had to wait for slower trains with higher-capacity gallery cars, or seek alternate transportation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 16, 2004 |title=Bicyclists can't get on board |work=Mountain View Voice |url=http://www.mv-voice.com/morgue/2004/2004_07_16.caltrain.shtml}}</ref>

Due to equipment rotation and maintenance concerns, Caltrain said in 2009 that it could not dedicate cars with higher bike capacity on trains with high bike demand.<ref name=May09>{{Cite press release |title=Caltrain Bicycle Service May Update - May 5, 2009 |date=May 5, 2009 |publisher=Caltrain |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Page94.aspx |quote=That means 36 of our daily 98 trains are scheduled to have two bike cars – many of them in the peak commute hours.<br />Many of you have written to ask a series of questions about this new effort: Why can't we provide two bike cars on every train? Why can't we provide two bike cars on my train? Why can't we provide two bike cars on the most heavily used trains? Why is there only one bike car on trains that are supposed to have two bike cars?<br />The simplest answer to most of these questions is that we don't have enough bike cars to put two on every train, or even on every peak train, and, in doing all we can to expand service for our cycling customers, we have to be mindful of the impact of these changes on our entire system and all of our customers, particularly on on-time performance.<br />All of our cars, not just our bike cars, serve our entire schedule throughout our entire day, which means they rotate through the schedule, and also must be rotated out of service for fueling, washing, maintenance and federally mandated safety and operational inspections.<br />A train set that starts its day in San Jose may finish its day in Millbrae and be cycled to San Francisco for its daily maintenance and to begin the next day at the San Francisco station.<br />Because of this rotation – because of the demands of our entire service schedule – we can't guarantee that a specific stop on the schedule will have a specific train. |access-date=July 5, 2016 |author=Simon, Mark}}</ref> Eventually, two bike cars were added to every train consist by 2011,<ref name=2cars /> and in 2016, a third bike car was added to Bombardier consists.<ref name="BombBikes">{{Cite web |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=April 4, 2016 |title=Bikes on Bombardiers |url=http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/Bicycles/BikesOnBombardiers.html |access-date=July 5, 2016 |website=Caltrain}}</ref>

To provide an alternative to bringing bicycles on board the trains, Caltrain has installed bicycle [[Locker (cabinet)|locker]]s at most stations, and constructed a new bicycle station at the San Francisco station.<ref name="bike faq" /> In early 2008, Caltrain sponsored Warm Planet bicycle station opened at the 4th and Townsend terminus. A bicycle station was open at the Palo Alto station from April 1999 to October 2004, and reopened in February 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kristina Peterson |date=February 23, 2007 |title=A safe place for bikes |work=Palo Alto Daily News |url=http://www.paloaltodailynews.com/article/2007-2-23-02-23-07-pa-bike-station |access-date=February 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523031320/http://www.paloaltodailynews.com/article/2007-2-23-02-23-07-pa-bike-station <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=May 23, 2007}}</ref> Nearly all stations have racks and/or lockers available to park bicycles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=September 8, 2015 |title=Bicycle Parking |url=http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/Bicycles/BicycleParking.html |access-date=July 5, 2016}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of San Francisco Bay Area trains]]
* [[South Bay Historical Railroad Society]]
* [[Peninsula Commute|Southern Pacific Peninsula Commute]]
* [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company]]

==Notes==
{{notelist-lr}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Caltrain}}
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{Cite web |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2010 |title=Coming to Monterey County: Salinas Commuter Service and the 'Coast Daylight' |url=http://www.montereypeninsula.info/delmonte/caltraindaylight.html |access-date=July 3, 2016 |website=Monterey Peninsula Info}}
* {{Cite report |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UvtFAQAAIAAJ |title=Rail Passenger Development Plan: 1984 through 1989 fiscal years |last=Division of Mass Transportation |date=March 1984 |publisher=Department of Transportation, State of California |access-date=July 15, 2016}}

{{Caltrain}}
{{San Francisco Bay Area Public Transit}}
{{California railroads}}
{{USCommRail}}

[[Category:Caltrain]]
[[Category:Passenger rail transportation in California]]
[[Category:California railroads]]
[[Category:Commuter rail in the United States]]
[[Category:Public transportation in San Francisco]]
[[Category:Public transportation in San Mateo County, California]]
[[Category:Public transportation in Santa Clara County, California]]
[[Category:Standard-gauge railways in the United States]]
[[Category:25 kV AC railway electrification]]