Caltrain Fare Increase, Service Reductions Take Effect Jan. 1

By

December 22, 2010

Beginning Jan. 1, the Caltrain fare for each zone will increase 25 cents, with multi-ride tickets and passes adjusted accordingly. In addition, four midday trains will be eliminated. The changes were approved by the Caltrain Board of Directors in October to close a $2.3 million gap in the Fiscal Year 2010 operating budget.

The fare for a one-way ticket from San Francisco to San Jose will increase from $7.75 to $8.50. The increase will generate approximately $1.4 million in additional revenue this fiscal year. The last fare increase was implemented in January 2009.

Trains will operate hourly between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Northbound trains 237 and 257 and southbound trains 236 and 256 will be eliminated. This will save the agency approximately $160,000.

In response to comments from people during the public hearing process, Caltrain also will implement a three-month pilot project to test the viability of express service on weekends. The pilot is expected to attract additional riders and help increase passenger revenues. The $107,000 cost of the pilot project will be offset by fuel savings accrued this year.

Also, the price of the Go Pass will increase from $140 to $155. The employer-sponsored annual pass offers unlimited rides on Caltrain through all zones, seven days a week for one low annual cost. The pass is purchased by employers for all of their full-time employees. This increase is expected to generate an additional $150,000, which will help cover the cost of the program.

The commuter railroad is owned by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, a partnership of the City and County of San Francisco, the San Mateo County Transit District and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. Caltrain is able to keep costs low by using the San Mateo County Transit District to manage its administrative functions instead of having a dedicated, full-time staff. Administrative wages and benefits make up just 6.5 percent of Caltrain’s total operating budget.

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Caltrain is a commuter rail line operating between San Francisco and San Jose, with commute service to Gilroy. Average weekday ridership on the mix of 86 local, limited and express weekday trains is 42,000. Local, hourly service is provided on Saturdays and Sundays.