As with other major construction projects, Caltrain may need to make adjustments once the project is underway, taking passenger and community input into consideration.

Alternative Bus Service

Caltrain will provide limited stop bus service on weekends. Route RRX will serve the San Jose, Palo Alto, Hillsdale and San Francisco Caltrain stations, the buses will depart the terminals at the same time trains on the regular weekend schedule would originate out of San Francisco and San Jose.  However, the buses will begin their last run at 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

SamTrans and the Valley Transportation Authority also provide local service along the corridor on VTA Route 22 and SamTrans Routes 390, 391 and KX.

Citizens Advisory Committee Input

The Caltrain Citizens Advisory Committee in November 2001 examined alternatives for service adjustments on the CTX Project, and endorsed weekend shutdowns as a construction window for the project.  CAC action included a call for alternative bus transportation, which subsequently was added to the project.

Industry Precedent

During the past decade, a number of North American railroads have initiated long-term service interruptions for purposes of capital construction.

• Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority shut down major rail segments for two summers (approximately 4-5 months each), while providing alternative transportation on a subway line.  Within one year after its second shutdown, SEPTA recorded a six percent ridership gain.

• Societe de Transport de la Communaute Urbaine de Montreal closed a commuter rail line (Deux Montagnes) for two years to complete a rebuilding project.

• Chicago Transit Authority shut down its Green Line elevated branch from January 1994 to May 1996 for capital work, while providing alternative bus service.  Suburban ridership returned within a few months of reopening.

Project Elements

North CTX

• Bayshore - Menlo Park: install new signal/operating system consisting of Centralized Traffic Control with reverse signaling and high-speed universal crossovers at various sites; modernize and upgrade modern active warning devices for seven grade crossings in Burlingame.

• San Francisco: rebuild tracks, signals; add high-speed turnouts.  Close King Street and formally close Berry Street grade crossings, open new Common Street crossing providing access to Mission Bay development and new University of California, San Francisco campus and upgrade the 16th Street crossing.

• Bayshore to Brisbane: completely rebuild existing tracks and signals; add two new express tracks between Bayshore and Brisbane.  Separate contract (summer 2002) will construct new four-track Bayshore station with grade separated pedestrian overcrossing.

• South San Francisco: reconstruct existing Colma Creek railroad bridge, lengthening the bridge to accommodate a wider flood control channel.

• Millbrae: rebuild two miles of existing main tracks; add station track with platform; complete platforms and Caltrain portion of Caltrain/BART intermodal station.

• Redwood City: rebuild tracks and signals; add two high-speed sidings plus two switching sidings at redwood Junction (Chestnut Street to Fifth Avenue).

South CTX

• Menlo Park - Santa Clara: install new CTC with reverse signaling with high-speed universal crossovers at Menlo Park, San Antonio Road and Sunnyvale.  Project completion will equip Caltrain with total remote dispatching and reverse running capabilities from San Francisco to San Jose.

• Sunnyvale: rebuild existing tracks, add two new express tracks from Fair Oaks to Bowers Avenue.

• Lawrence: completely reconstruct Lawrence station platforms, parking and shuttle stops; construct new ADA accessible pedestrian underpass.

Communication Efforts

An extensive communications campaign will inform riders and the community about the upgrade and provide information on alternative transportation. Caltrain will mail a notice to all residences within one-quarter mile on either side of its tracks between San Jose and San Francisco. Station flyers and signboards will be posted at all 34 stations. Brochures and new timetables outlining the RRX service, baseball express bus service and local service options will be available to patrons by calling Caltrain's Customer Service Center, checking the Web site, onboard trains and at all staffed stations. A hotline will be in place by construction start for neighbors to call for additional construction information or to leave a message regarding construction concerns.