Fare Improvements Coming to Caltrain

Caltrain is preparing to undertake the biggest fare changes in its 140-year history with the implementation of the new zone structure and the beginning of Proof-of-Payment.

The changes, which go into effect Monday, Sept. 22, are intended to streamline Caltrain's fare collection process and create fewer zones of equal lengths, as opposed to the existing nine zones of varying lengths. Under a Proof-of-Payment system Caltrain will no longer sell any tickets onboard the train.

The new fare structure will offer six, 13-mile zones and new ticket options such as a zone upgrade feature and a 10-ride Ticket for seniors, persons with disabilities and youth riders.

The new fare structure includes the following changes:

• One-way tickets will be valid for four hours from the time of sale for travel away from the point of origin and includes on- and off- privileges within the four hours. Currently One-way tickets are valid for use within 30 days.
• 10-ride tickets remain valid for 60 days, but each trip must be stamped by a validator (located at stations near Ticket Vending Machines) before boarding and is good for four hours from the time of validation.
• A new Zone Upgrade Ticket allows passengers to upgrade any ticket to ride beyond their normal destination without being required to pay the full base fare again. This is especially useful for Monthly and 10-ride Ticket holders.
• A new Day Pass, which will replace Round-trip and Weekend passes, allows unlimited rides within designated zones until the last train of the service day.
• The youth discount will be expanded up to 17 years old, compared to the old discount offered to children up to age 11.
• Senior, disabled and youth discount tickets (roughly half the price of full-fare tickets) will be available in all four ticket categories: One-way, Day Pass, 10-ride and Monthly.
• Caltrain will discontinue acceptance of the Muni Fast Pass for travel between San Francisco stations, once operations have begun at the relocated Bayshore station.

While most riders already purchase their tickets at staffed stations, TVMs, online or through the Ticket-by-Mail program, the move will free up conductor's time onboard the trains for additional operational and customer service duties.

San Francisco's Muni, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Altamont Commuter Express and the vast majority of modern rail agencies use a Proof-of-Payment system to discourage fare abuse and streamline operations.

Passengers are responsible for purchasing and/or validating tickets prior to boarding the trains and must present their tickets to a fare inspector upon request.

Caltrain tickets may be purchased at TVMs, staffed stations or at Caltrain's headquarters at 1250 San Carlos Ave. in San Carlos or through Caltrain's Ticket-by-Mail program (call 650.508.6292 for more information). Passengers also can register online to purchase 10-ride tickets.

Caltrain's top priority is making this transition as smooth as possible. To ensure this Caltrain and VTA staff will be out at all 34 stations the first week the new policy is in place to answer questions and remind passengers to pre-purchase their tickets.

Passengers holding One-way and 10-ride tickets purchased prior to the change will be able to ride on those tickets, conductors will continue to punch old tickets until they are out of the system. Caltrain encourages passengers holding 10-rides purchased before Sept. 22 to begin validating them anyway. Monthly tickets also will be accepted through the end of September, when they expire.

For more fare information, call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287 or (for the hearing - impaired only) 650.508.6448.