Caltrain to Begin Running Weekend "Test" Trains

Two years after Caltrain suspended weekend train service for a massive construction project, trains will be running again this weekend - but just for practice.

Caltrain's locomotive engineers, conductors and dispatchers will spend the next two weekends -- May 15-16 and 22-23 - getting some practice with the new operating rules that are going into effect as a result of the track and signal improvements.

It's all in preparation for Caltrain's new schedule, which includes the resumption of weekend service on June 5 and the first Baby Bullet trains on Monday, June 7.

The Bullet trains will be able to overtake slower, local trains thanks to new four-track areas that were installed on the Caltrain line during the two-year, $110 million CTX construction project.

In addition, a much more modern switching and signal system was installed, which allows trains to cross smoothly from track to track, another upgrade that is essential to the Baby Bullet operation. Prior to the CTX construction, along most areas of the Caltrain line, conductors had to get off the train and literally "throw" switches by hand.

The purpose of the weekend "test trains" is to ensure that weekday express and weekend train service runs smoothly by learning the coordination of the passing movements, and that the new signals, switches and sensors are working properly.

People will see the trains going by between San Francisco and San Jose at the top Baby Bullet speed of 79 miles an hour. Trains will stop at stations but doors will not be opened.

A third weekend of testing can be scheduled if necessary before the June 5 launch of weekend service.

During the past year, the new signal system, switches and crossovers have been going into service gradually as the rail construction progressed, and Caltrain dispatchers and crews are already using these reliability improvements to operate trains. But this weekend will be the first time when crews will get "real-time" experience with the Baby Bullet service pattern.

5/10/04