Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Will clarify the timeline for commuter train electrification between San Francisco and San Jose. The CHSRA board of directors approved an MOU with the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board to enhance the rail tracks to accommodate future high-speed rail service.

Installation of an advanced signal system is a component of the $1.5 billion Caltrain Modernization Program and includes Positive Train Control technology.

By the end of the year, message boards and audio announcements will let commuters their train’s location. The system will also provide real time information on the Caltrain website as well as give customers email and text alerts.

An agreement between the California High Speed Rail Authority and more than a half-dozen San Francisco Bay Area public agencies will fully fund the electrification and modernization of the Caltrain system. Once the system is electrified, Caltrain will be able to operate lighter-weight electric vehicles.

San Francisco Bay Area transportation agencies and the California High-Speed Rail Authority are negotiating an agreement to electrify Caltrain and lay the path for bullet train service between San Francisco and San Jose.

Regional transportation officials approved a plan to allow the agencies to divert millions of dollars intended to maintain or purchase buses and railcars to fill substantial gaps in their operating budgets.

Ridership on weekend Baby Bullet trains increased 54 percent in April compared to March. The service, which was suggested by Caltrain riders, was introduced as a pilot program in January. Originally scheduled to operate for three months, it has been extended because of its success.

Budget constraints are prompting high-speed rail project leaders to consider a plan to run the trains on two tracks instead of four, which would expedite project completion, but slow down train speed.

The latest plan to save the struggling rail service would likely propose using funds typically used for transit maintenance and money earmarked for construction projects.

Mike Scanlon, CEO, San Mateo County Transit District, volunteered to sacrifice part of his $400,000 compensation package, since the three transit agencies he runs are undergoing serious budget problems. However, board members defended the salary, which they had approved.