Caltrain Welcomes a New Rail Operations Manager

Caltrain's recently hired operations manager has worked around the world with rail. Robert Doty, started his career with BART 33 years ago then made his way to England, Germany, Korea and China before coming home to the Bay Area and Caltrain.

Doty came onboard in late March, bringing with him an impressive resume and the experience to manage the agency's operations contract with Amtrak and prepare Caltrain service for the modern era in Peninsula railroading.

"Caltrain's picture for the future is already here. Pacific Bell Park looks like old San Francisco but offers all of today's modern conveniences," said Doty. "We have to be the same thing."

"At no other time in this agency's history have we faced more dramatic operational changes, than we are facing right now," said Jerry Kirzner, deputy chief of rail services. "Bob's broad range of experiences will be critical in helping Caltrain make the smooth transition into the 21st century."

Doty began his railroading career with BART in 1970 and became the manager of train operations. He was involved in the testing of the new system and stayed on through the system's start-up period.

His career then took him to Taipei, Taiwan where he managed Systems Engineering for its Metropolitan Transit System.

Most recently, Doty worked as Bechtel's project manager responsible for the engineering, contracting and implementation of all systemwide works for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link between Dover and the outskirts of London. In this position, he oversaw 2,300 employees responsible for everything from installing the "sleepers", known as railroad ties in America, through testing the final operating system.

After being exposed to Caltrain's "energy and fresh attitude," Doty decided to return to Bay Area transportation.

In addition to his San Leandro home, Doty and his wife, Betty, enjoy a retreat in the Sierras where he's currently building a large pond with plans to stock it with fish for his grandchildren to catch. Returning to California also has meant an opportunity to be close to his two grown sons and their families.