History of Caltrain

Passenger service on the peninsula corridor began on Oct. 18, 1863 under the authority of
the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad Company. Prophetically, some $600,000 of the
original $2 million capital stock issue was owned by the voters of San Francisco, San
Mateo and Santa Clara counties following a three-county election in 1861.

In 1870, the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad Company was acquired by the firm that
was consolidated eventually into the Southern Pacific Railway. S.P. double-tracked the
line in 1904, and operated passenger service in the corridor successfully until after World
War II.

Changing commute patterns impaced Southern Pacific along with private carriers all over
the country, and after protracted struggles with the state Public Utilities Commission on
fares and service levels, S.P petitioned to abandon passenger service in 1977.

Once more, the three Peninsula counties stepped into the breach with a temporary Fare
Stabilization Plan -- partially subsidizing commuter tickets -- that reversed a long pattern
of declining ridership and set the stage for state sponsorship of the Peninsula Commute in
1980.

From 1980 until mid-year 1992, Caltrans contracted with S.P. to provide passenger
service in the corridor, sharing operating subsidies with San Francisco, San Mateo and
Santa Clara counties. The state assumed sole responsibility for station acquisitions and
other capital improvements until the service resulted in formation of the Peninsula
Corridor Joint Powers Board in 1987. The JPB agreed to assume operating
responsibilities for Caltrain effective July 1, 1992, and to shoulder 100 percent of the
operating subsidy a year later.

In December 1991, the JPB purchased the rail right of way from San Francisco to San
Jose. The JPB secured trackage rights to Gilroy for another $4 million, with an option to
acquire half the right of way in the future. S.P. retains rights to operate freight service in
the corridor.

To replace S.P. as the commute operator, the JPB signed Amtrak, the national rail
corporation, to a three-year agreement with two one-year options beginning July 1, 1992.
The contract was extended through September 2001. Contract oversight is provided by
the Joint Powers Board. The JPB signed a new contract with Amtrak, the National
Railroad Passenger Corporation, on November 1st, 2001. This contract agreement will be
effective for a five-year term.

As its legacy to the JPB, Caltrans has deeded 26 stations, 20 diesel locomotives and 73
bi-level passenger cars to the local agency.
Milestones 2000s

Caltrain Milestones – 2009

Completed California Avenue station

Caltrain Milestones – 2008

Caltrain concluded a $15 million improvement project at the Palo Alto Caltrain Station in
December that included new boarding platforms and a new pedestrian underpass.
Adopted a Bicycle Access and Parking Plan, in October, which focused on ways to
improve bicycle access at Caltrain’s 10 most popular stations.
Caltrain completed a $20.5 million improvement project at the Burlingame station in
June. The old center-boarding platform was replaced with outside boarding platforms,
allowing more than one train in the station at a time.
In Fiscal Year 2008, Caltrain carried 11.96 million riders, up 8.6 percent from FY07.
This was the highest annual ridership in the railroad’s 145-year history.
In March, Caltrain added two evening local trains to its weekday schedule, which filled a
gap in evening service in both northbound and southbound directions. The 98-train
schedule is the highest number of daily trains in the history of the rail service on the
Peninsula.

Caltrain Milestones – 2007

The Federal Transit Administration recognized Caltrain with “Success in Enhancing
Ridership” Award for a nearly 23 percent ridership growth from 2004 to 2005.
The Centralized Equipment Maintenance & Operations Facility in San Jose opened in
September. The $140 million facility took two years to build and accommodates such
critical activities as inspections, maintenance, repairs, train washing and train storage.
Caltrain began construction at Burlingame, Palo Alto and California Avenue stations.
The projects will remove the “hold out” rule at Burlingame and California Avenue and
include safety enhancements such as center boarding platforms and pedestrian crossing
gates and ADA accessibility.
Caltrain was added to Google Transit Trip Planner

December 2006
Caltrain achieves the highest annual average weekday ridership levels in the railroad’s
143-year history, with more than 35,000 daily rides. With an impressive annual ridership
increase of more than seven percent, Caltrain credits the success of the previous year's
"reinvention" and expanded Baby Bullet Service.

November 2006
Caltrain unveiled Project 2025, its 20-year plan to improve and expand its service to meet
the demand in growth for commuter rail on the Peninsula. The plan includes the
electrification of the railroad and major improvements to terminals and infrastructure.

August 2006
Caltrain successfully tested the first high-speed wireless Internet system on a train in the
U.S.
May 2006
Caltrain launched the "Don't Shortcut Life" rail safety campaign. This agency-wide
program redoubled Caltrain's efforts improve safety along the railroad through increased
education, additional enforcement and improved engineering, in order to dissuade people
from taking unnecessary risks around railroad tracks.

August 2005
Caltrain “reinvents” itself by remaking its commute schedule with more Baby Bullet
trains (22 in total) and stations, and additional limited-stop trains. A total of 96 trains
operate on weekdays. The new service is designed to help the rail agency out of a $13
million-plus deficit. To accomplish this more efficient use of crews and equipment,
weekday service is suspended to the Paul Avenue, Broadway and Atherton stations, and
reduced at College Park and on the Gilroy extension.

July 2005
Caltrain participates in the regional Spare the Air program, which provides free transit
rides until 9 a.m. on days when the air quality is expected to reach unhealthy
concentrations. July 26 proves to be the only day that season when air conditions trigger
the transit-ride alert.

July 2005
A year after the introduction of the first Baby Bullet trains, average weekday ridership is
up 6.3 percent – from 30,330 to 32,238. Caltrain implements the first of a two-step fare
increase. Fares increase an average of 17 percent. An additional 5.6 per cent increase will
go into effect in January 2006.

May 2005
Caltrain adds two more Baby Bullet trains to its timetable. The new trains serve the
reverse commute.

November 2004
Ground is broken for the $140 million Centralized Equipment Maintenance and
Operations Facility in San Jose, which will provide a much-needed place for Caltrain
crews to work on locomotives and passenger cars.

June 2004
After four years of planning and two years of construction, Caltrain launches Baby Bullet
service and brings back weekend train service. Ten Baby Bullet trains are included in the
new 86-train schedule, with stops at San Francisco, 22nd Street, Millbrae, Hillsdale, Palo
Alto, Mountain View and San Jose. Weekend service also increases, to 32 trains on
Saturdays and 30 on Sundays.

March 2004
Rebuilt Lawrence station makes its debut a few weeks before the completely
reconstructed Bayshore station opens for service on March 22. In preparation for the
Baby Bullet service, both stations become fully accessible to people with disabilities and
have a number of aesthetic improvements.

September 2003
Caltrain introduces Proof-of-Payment system and a major restructuring of zones and
fares.

June 2003
BART connection with Caltrain opens at Millbrae providing the first cross-platform
connection for the two systems.

May 2003
New $11.4 million Sunnyvale Transit Center is dedicated, replacing an outmoded
structure and providing a 400-space parking structure plus 100 surface level spaces.

April 2003
The first of six new Baby Bullet locomotives makes its debut at a "baby shower" in
Burlingame. Senator Speier christens the engine.

February 2003
Construction kicks off on the $49 million South CTX construction project, which
includes work on the southern end of the Caltrain main line to facilitate the Baby Bullet
service.

November 2002
Pulled by ex-Southern Pacific locomotive No. 2472, Caltrain's Trains for Tots special
attracts huge crowds during its two-night run and more than 6,000 toys for local charities.

October 2002
First Baby Bullet cars go into service.

August 2002
Responding to declining ridership and revenue, Caltrain reduces weekday service from
80 to 76 trains.

July 2002
To facilitate the CTX work, Caltrain suspends weekend service for nearly two years. The
shut down of rail service in order get the work done as quickly, economically and safely
as possible occurs at the same time that the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board marks
its 10th year as owner and manager of the Peninsula's commuter rail service.

June 2002
Caltrain unveils first of 17 Bombardier cars which will be used in the Baby Bullet service
during a ceremony in San Francisco which featured Gov. Gray Davis and State Senator
Jackie Speier. She was instrumental in getting $127 million in funding included in the
governor's budget for the Baby Bullet.
April 2002
Caltrain board awards a $64.5 million project for the North CTX Project, which sets the
stage for the Baby Bullet service and a BART connection at Millbrae. In a major
upgrade, a centralized traffic control system will be installed and passing tracks will be
added in Brisbane and Sunnyvale.

December 2001
Caltrain and the Golden Gate Railroad Museum team up to present the first annual Trains
for Tots Special to generate toy donations for local charities while bringing holiday cheer
to local families.

April 2001
Caltrain adds two weekday trains for a total of 80. The $58 million Ponderosa Project
brings about numerous systemwide improvements.

February 2001
Caltrain reports highest ridership in the rail line's 138-year history: 10.3 million in
calendar year 2000.

September 2000
In a year when Caltrain begins service to Pacific Bell Park, ridership reaches an all-time
high of 9.8 million. Ten new weekday trains create half-hourly midday service.

March 2000
Inaugurated special service to Pacific Bell Park for San Francisco Giants baseball games.

Milestones 1990s

November 1999
Opened the new, relocated Hayward Park station in San Mateo.

May 1999
Approved the Rapid Rail Plan, an $836 million rehabilitation electrification program.

April 1999
Opened the San Antonio station in Mountain View. Added weekday trains, bringing the
weekday total to 68.

January 1999
Awarded a $41 million construction contract for 30 projects along the Caltrain right of
way. The project is known as the Ponderosa.

December 1998
Caltrain receives the first of three new locomotives. A celebration was held at Caltrain's
Fourth and King streets station in San Francisco to honor the completion of the interior
station renovation.

August 1998
Began selling 10-ride tickets via the internet.

March 1998
Twenty new passenger cards ordered, six of which are cab cars. Also ordered 101 state-
of-the-art ticket vending machines.

July 1997
Caltrain increases service: six weekday trains and two Saturday trains. Caltrain also
introduces a new logo.

June 1996
Caltrain records the highest annual ridership since 1958 -- 7.4 million.

Nov. 24, 1995

The number of bicycles allowed per train increases to 24 making Caltrain the least-
restrictive and most accessible rail system to bicyclists in the country.

July 1995
Caltrain becomes accessible to passengers in wheelchairs.
The Redwood City Transit Center, serving Caltrain and SamTrans bus passengers, is
dedicated.

Dec. 8, 1994
Dedication ceremony is held to mark the completion of the reconstruction and restoration
of the San Jose terminal, which is renamed "San Jose Diridon Station."

Sept. 17, 1994

Burlingame station marks 100th anniversary with a community fair.

June-July 1994
Some 170,000 people take Caltrain to and from World Cup soccer games at Stanford
University.

January 15-16, 1994

Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board celebrates 130 years of continuous passenger
service between San Francisco and San Jose at an open house marking the 130th
anniversary of the Santa Clara depot. It is the oldest continuously operating train station
in California.

September 1992
A limited Bikes-on-Board Program is introduced.

July 1, 1992
The Peninsula Corridor Study Joint Powers Board becomes the Peninsula Corridor Joint
Powers Board with Amtrak as contract operator. San Mateo County Transit District
provides administration and contract oversite.
Weekday service is increased from 54 to 60 trains.
Tamien station opens in San Jose.
Service is extended to Gilroy.

December 1991
The Joint Powers Board purchased rail lines in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The
JPB secured trackage rights to Gilroy for another $4 million, with an option to acquire
half the right of way in the future. Union Pacific retains rights to operate freight service
in the corridor.

Right of way is purchased from Southern Pacific Transportation Company for $220
million.

Milestones 1980s

1988
San Carlos station celebrates its centennial.
Two additional locomotives and ten more cars are purchased.

1987
Peninsula Corridor Study Joint Powers Board is formed.

June 1985
The first of 63 new gallery cars equipped for push-pull operation go into
service, along with 18 new F40PH diesel-electric locomotives (each named after
a city on the line).

October 1981
Train schedules are extensively modified and several "reverse commute" trains
are added. Total number of weekday trains increases from 44 to 46.

July 1, 1980
The new agreement takes effect, with Caltrans assuming responsibility for the
Peninsula Commute Service.

Early Milestones

1979
The 1909 wood-frame/stucco Redwood City station is damaged in a fire and replaced by
a trailer.

1977
Southern Pacific petitions the state Public Utilities Commission (which says "no") and
then the Interstate Commerce Commission to discontinue the Peninsula Commute
Service. A bitter fight follows. After long months of negotiation, the three counties
through which the Peninsula Commute Service runs and the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans), reach an agreement with Southern Pacific. SP would become
the contractor and the public agencies would cover most of the operating costs.

1976
San Mateo's old station is torn down to make way for a parking structure.

June 23, 1975

Fourth and Townsend streets terminal opens in San Francisco.

May 1, 1971
Amtrak takes over operation of the nation's intercity passenger trains. The northern
terminal of the Coast Daylight to Los Angeles is changed to Oakland from San Francisco.
Southern Pacific's Del Monte, which ran from San Francisco to Monterey, is
discontinued. As a result, commuter trains become the only rail passenger service
between San Francisco and San Jose.

1965
The grade separation is built at Hillsdale Boulevard in San Mateo.

June 1955
The first of ten "gallery cars" are delivered to Southern Pacific. The cars, which provide
more seating, are an instant success, and in January 1956, Southern Pacific orders 21
more. A final order of 15 is placed in 1968.

Early 1950's
Diesel locomotives begin to appear in the Peninsula Commute Service.

December 1935
A new terminal opens on Cahill Street in San Jose.

1915
San Francisco terminal moves to Third and Townsend streets. The station has been built
to handle crowds for the Panama Pacific International Exposition.

1870
San Francisco and San Jose Railroad is absorbed into Southern Pacific.

Jan. 16, 1864

The line is completed to San Jose. Within a short time, two trains operate each way
weekdays between San Francisco and San Jose. The San Francisco terminal initially is
located at 18th and Valencia streets.
October 1863
Regular service between San Francisco and Mayfield (now California Avenue in Palo
Alto) begins. The trip takes two hours. At Mayfield, passengers have to board a
stagecoach to get to San Jose.

1860
San Francisco and San Jose Railroad incorporates. Financing for a railroad between those
cities comes from three counties -- San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara.

January 1851
A line connecting the trading center of San Francisco with California's first state capital,
San Jose, was proposed.

Source:
http://www.caltrain.com/about/History.html