Caltrain, the commuter rail service provider for the San Francisco Peninsula, has recorded an all-time high average weekday ridership of 60,219 passengers for the 2016 fiscal year, which ended on June 30. This is a 3.2 percent increase from last year, which held the previous record. For the 2016 fiscal year, Caltrain carried some 19.2 million passengers, an increase of 3.7 percent from the previous record high set in 2015.
For nearly six straight years, Caltrain has recorded monthly ridership increases.
“As the Bay Area economy continues to thrive, Caltrain is becoming more vital than ever for regional commuters,” remarked Jim Hartnett, Caltrain executive director. “We’re honored by the loyalty of our customers, and we’re determined to make the steps to ensure that Caltrain remains a reliable, safe and efficient transportation option.”
The continuing increase in ridership numbers is putting a capacity strain on the system, which Caltrain has addressed with several near-term solutions. Last year, Caltrain purchased 16 train cars from Metrolink in Los Angeles to add capacity to its regular fleet. In July, the agency swapped out some older, gallery-style train equipment for newer bi-level models, as a way to increase carrying capacity and devote more resources to maintaining the older train cars.
The electrification of the Caltrain system between San Francisco and San Jose, which is set for 2020, will allow Caltrain to run more frequent service and carry more passengers. Electrification will also reduce long-term environmental and noise impacts, improve regional air quality and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. The electrified rail corridor will also be compatible with future high-speed rail service on the Peninsula.