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Executive Summary
Michelle Bouchard
Executive Director
Caltrain marked a milestone year in 2025 as the first full year of electrified service delivered faster, quieter and cleaner trips for riders throughout San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Riders embraced these improvements, and the public expressed clear confidence in the agency’s direction as electrified service became part of everyday travel along the corridor.
In 2025, Caltrain achieved 95% on-time performance, provided service every 30 minutes at every station and advanced investments that support a more connected and equitable region. The agency increased operational efficiency, modernized key assets and focused on improvements that benefit commuters, students and communities that rely on the system.
Caltrain delivered several notable achievements throughout the year. Station upgrades and accessibility enhancements continued across the system. Ridership grew nearly 60% compared to last year as more people returned to transit for work, school, events and daily activities, reflecting the value of a modernized service supported by electrification. Caltrain was also honored with multiple awards, including Sustainable San Mateo County’s 2025 Sustainability Award, APTA’s Commuter Rail Safety Gold Award, and the AGC Build America Highway & Transportation Renovation Award.
Caltrain has also been hard at work on improving its safety infrastructure, installing AI solutions, solar roadway markers and anti-trespass panels to prevent public access to the tracks. Caltrain will continue to invest in new technologies and infrastructure improvements to protect the public and keep our trains operating safely.
Caltrain will continue to build on this momentum. Every single day, Caltrain works tirelessly to improve our customer-focused rail system in ways that enhance safety and quality of life for all.
Top Accomplishments
First Year of Electrified Service a Stunning Success
First Year of Electrified Service a Stunning Success
Caltrain marked the first anniversary of its fully electrified service in September, celebrating a transformative year that has delivered record ridership growth, cleaner air for communities, and faster, more frequent service for riders throughout the Peninsula.
Caltrain Named Fastest Growing Transit Agency in US
Caltrain Named Fastest Growing Transit Agency in US
Caltrain's 57% increase in ridership is the highest in the country, according to the American Public Transportation Association. The increased ridership and satisfaction levels follow the launch of its new high-performance electric trains in September 2024.
Record High Ratings Among Caltrain Riders
Record High Ratings Among Caltrain Riders
In the first survey designed to capture riders’ opinions about electric service, Caltrain received the best ratings in the 27-year history of the survey. On-time train performance scored 4.41, while improvements on board scored 4.42 and station improvements received 4.30.
Caltrain Received Highest Safety Award
Caltrain Received Highest Safety Award
Caltrain received the 2025 Commuter Rail Safety Gold Award from the American Public Transportation Association in recognition of the many efforts the agency has undertaken to make the railroad safer.
Additional Key Achievements
Voters to Decide on Fate of Bay Area Public Transit
The California Legislature and Governor Newsom authorized a ballot measure to create a 14-year, sub-regional sales tax in five Bay Area counties to generate revenue to support Bay Area public transportation systems.
Caltrain Earns $1M+ Returning Power to the Grid
Caltrain will now be compensated for the power its new electric trains return to the grid through regenerative braking, thanks to policy changes by its clean energy partners Peninsula Clean Energy and San Jose Clean Energy, and legislation by Assemblymember Diane Papan.
Themed Trains Start the Party On Board
This year, Caltrain ran multiple themed trains for concerts like Kendrick Lamar/SZA, and for sporting events with the Valkyries, the Sharks and Bay FC, reminding our riders that the party starts on Caltrain. We provide safe, efficient, and fun ways to attend your favorite special events without parking and driving hassles!
New AI-Technology Makes Caltrain Crossings Safer
Caltrain continued installing AI-based technology at its crossings as part of its ongoing commitment to safety improvements. This new technology uses a combination of LiDAR and cameras to observe an area and alert railroad operations groups of potential dangers.
Caltrain Beloved by 82% of Public
A poll of voters in Santa Clara, San Mateo and San Francisco counties showed overwhelming approval for Caltrain, with 82% of respondents reporting a favorable view of the transit agency, increasing to 84% of occasional riders and 91% of frequent riders.
Sustainable San Mateo County Honors Caltrain Electrification
Caltrain received Sustainable San Mateo County’s 2025 Sustainability Award for its historic transition from diesel trains and infrastructure components to a greener, faster, more frequent electric transportation network along the San Francisco Peninsula.
Summer of Caltrain Delights Children of All Ages
The Summer of Caltrain returned for its second year, bringing fun for our riders up and down the corridor. This summer our stations hosted Tai Chi, violin solos, free ice cream, plus Camp Caltrain for families — connecting our communities like never before.
MLK Celebration Train Celebrates the Dream
As it has for 40 years, the Celebration Train brought marchers to the Dr. Martin Luther King Day March in San Francisco, helping our community celebrate the many contributions of an American hero.
Caltrain Delivers Tens of Thousands to Pride SF
Over 10,000 people rode Caltrain to the 2025 San Francisco Pride Parade, helping people from throughout the Bay Area ride with Pride.
Fans of Seven Major League Teams Grow Caltrain’s Ridership
Caltrain is proud to work with the seven major league sports teams it serves to provide convenient, affordable service for sports fans of all stripes.
Caltrain Enables Cyclists to "Bike to Wherever"
Caltrain partnered with the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition and San Francisco Bicycle Coalition for Bike to Wherever Day in recognition of National Bike Month, and co-sponsored energizer stations at Caltrain stations throughout San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.
500th Bike eLocker, and Counting
Caltrain installed its 500th bike eLocker this year, making them available at 24 of Caltrain’s 31 stations. Approximately 20% of Caltrain riders access the system via bike, and the agency carries more bikes than any other rail system in the United States.
New Digital Displays at South Bay Stations
Caltrain has installed new digital displays at its Capitol, Blossom Hill, Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy stations to improve the South Santa Clara County riding experience. These displays will help keep riders informed, offering real-time train schedules, service alerts and announcements.
New Holiday Train Marks the Start of the Holidays
Caltrain reinvented the Holiday Train as an on-board rider experience this year, selling out all 1,200 tickets in just 45 minutes. Even more community members celebrated with us at station activations in San Francisco, Redwood City, and San Jose.
57% More Riders Thanks to New Electric Fleet
In FY 2025, Caltrain carried 9.1 million passengers, up from 6.2 million in FY 2024. Weekend ridership has more than doubled, and Caltrain saw five consecutive months with more than one million riders.