In 1992, Caltrain pioneered bike access on commuter trains through a demonstration project - the Bikes-on-Board Program. Since then, bike access on Caltrain has been expanded again and again. Today, Caltrain is the acknowledged leader in bike access among commuter railroads in the United States. Bikes are allowed on every train, every day, up to a maximum of 32 bikes per cab car, no permit required. Today Caltrain carries almost 2,000 bikes each weekday. When other railroads consider allowing bikes on board, they look to Caltrain to see what we've done.

As cyclists are well aware, the biggest problem with the program has been its very success. Although there is space to accommodate all passengers, on certain popular trains and especially in good weather, there may not be enough space for a passenger and his or her bike. We at Caltrain recognize that it's frustrating for cyclists and can be difficult for our conductors.

Cyclists often ask why Caltrain doesn't simply add another bike car or take out more seats. With the tremendous growth in ridership on Caltrain, it's much harder to take out revenue-generating seats than in the early days of the bike program. In fact, ridership is on the upswing and is at its highest in 40 years. Caltrain needs to preserve seats for this growing number of fare-paying riders. We have a limited number of cars, all of which get cycled on different schedules throughout the week. A car that might have empty seats when it's part of one train schedule may be quite full on another schedule.

The current schedule of 80 weekday trains means that our equipment is being used just about constantly. Although we sometimes can put two cab cars with space for 64 bikes on a train, we can't always be sure that the cars will be available because of equipment cycling, maintenance and cleaning. Although Caltrain is receiving six new cab cars in 1999 and 2000, we are also sending out our existing cars for midlife overhaul. For the forseeable future, we simply won't have more bike cars to add.

Caltrain is analyzing what can be done to improve the situation. The solutions aren't simple or easy, but we're proud of our Bikes-on-Board Program and want it to work as well as possible. Alternatives to brining bikes on the train are available, such as bike lockers or the Bikestation at the Palo Alto station.

Please be aware that conductors are enforcing rules set by Caltrain in the management of bike program. If you have concerns or suggestions, the best way to be heard is to direct your comments at Caltrain, not train crews. We welcome your input and ideas. Customer comment cards can be found in the Take One boxes on the train or you can call Caltrain at 1.800.660.4287.