In a bid to speed up the electrification project, Caltrain announced the suspension of its train service between San Francisco and Millbrae Stations on the weekends of August 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27. Construction crews will use this time to install and test the signal system in San Francisco and continue to erect poles and hang wires for the overhead catenary system (OCS).

During the suspension, Caltrain encouraged riders to seek alternative transit options; however, bus bridge service will be available for those who remain dependent on Caltrain. Passengers should expect delays and longer travel times due to the service disruption.

These weekends mark the 17th through 19th of approximately 30 weekends in 2023 in which the train service will be adjusted to accommodate construction and testing for electrified service – a project that aims to launch passenger service in fall 2024. According to Caltrain, this year alone, construction crews have installed 66 poles, over 557,831 feet of wire, and 1,068 cantilevers and drop tubes.

Caltrain is also running a public awareness campaign throughout the year to alert riders to potential service disruptions and provide information about the benefits of electrification. The historic electrification project is the first undertaking in North America in a generation in which diesel trains and their infrastructure components transition to an electrified system.

Expected improvements from the project include increasing the number of trains, modernizing service, and adding new safety elements. The new trains will feature on-board displays with digital trip information, increased storage capacities, baby-changing tables, Wi-Fi, and power outlets at every seat. Electrification will also contribute to ambitious regional and state climate action goals by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and relieving traffic congestion, while advancing equity along the corridor by reducing noise and air pollution, and increasing access for priority equity communities.