Since its completion in 1864, the railroad has witnessed the passage of time under various operators. Today, we at Caltrain stand proudly as custodians of this storied past, dedicated to preserving and celebrating 160 years of railway history. As we forge ahead into the future, our commitment to progress is unwavering; we're electrifying the system and championing a greener, more sustainable tomorrow for both our passengers and the environment. We invite you to explore the history of the Peninsula Commute railroad.
The famous C.P. Huntington locomotive ran on the Peninsula Commute briefly.
Drawing of original Union Iron Works SF & SJ Locomotive "Union"
The original San Jose Depot from a stereoscope card by John H. Herring.
San Francisco & San Jose Railroad locomotive #11, "Menlo Park" was built in 1870 by Mason Machine Works in Massachusetts.
The Menlo Park Depot in 1885, still in service today.
The Market Street San Jose Depot photographed in 1900 a Southern Pacific steam engine.
Mountain View Depot, 1913. A replica exists today at the same location.
The San Francisco Station ca. 1930.
San Carlos Depot, ca 1942.
Southern Pacific Daylight Limited at Palo Alto Station, 1942.
El Palo Alto tree and a steam locomotive in 1951.
Rare color photo of interior view of 3rd and Townsend Station near the end of use in 1975.
1980s livery under CalTrans management.
Joint Powers Board takes control of the railroad, July 1, 1992.
Construction of CEMOF (Centralized Equipment Maintenance and Operations Facility) in San Jose, 2006.
Stadler begins manufacture of Caltrain's electric fleet in Utah, 2020.