The U.S. Department of Transportation announced representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Caltrain, and Stadler U.S. recently visited the FRA Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado to share a ride on Caltrain’s latest trains and to discuss the potential significance of the project to California.

The catenary electric trains for transit service in California are in the final stages of testing with TTCI, a transportation industry partner and subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads.

Deputy general counsel for the U.S. Department of Transportation John Putnam joined Cindy Terwilliger, FTA Region 8 regional administrator, Michelle Bouchard, acting executive of Caltrain, Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US, Kari Gonzales, CEO and president of TTCI, and other industry professionals aboard the new trains on Nov. 5.

Caltrain and Stadler followed the test ride with a presentation and discussion on the technology of the project, benefits of its local manufacturing, and implications for the industry.

Caltrain’s new trainsets will serve as the foundation for the electrified railroad in California. 

Additional trainsets are now being assembled in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Stadler U.S. manufacturing plant. 

The associated electrification lays the foundation for Caltrain’s 2040 Service Vision that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 110 metric tons every day, and support tripling ridership to 180,000 passengers every weekday.

“These new electric trains will bring a new standard of excellence to the Caltrain corridor,” said Michelle Bouchard, Caltrain acting executive director. “Cleaner, greener, quieter, more comfortable, and more efficient, these trains will deliver an across-the-board improved riding experience with features such as Wi-Fi, improved passenger information displays, additional storage, and power sources at every seat, benefiting the communities we serve for decades to come.”