Caltrain named one of North America’s top transit agencies

Caltrain will receive the Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement award this fall in Chicago, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The award honors transit agencies that demonstrate superior achievement in efficiency and effectiveness and is the most prestigious award an American public transit system can receive. 

Caltrain entered the competition for the award this year as a strong contender with many achievements, including:  

  • Having the fastest-growing transit ridership in the United States in 2025, with a 57% year-over-year ridership growth. 
  • Transitioning mainline service from diesel power to 100% renewable green electricity. 
  • Seeing improved ratings, with the customer experience being rated 4.5 out of 5 and the agency having a 91% approval rating among riders. 
  • Achieving over $76 million in cost savings, approximately 7% of the agency’s operating budget over the last five years 
  • Receiving honors for safety, sustainability, construction and mental health, among others 

“Caltrain is honored to receive APTA’s nationwide recognition of excellence,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard. “Our newly electrified railroad is offering the best service this rail corridor has seen in 162 years, and we’re seeing the result every day as more and more people choose to ride the Peninsula the way it was meant to be traveled.”  

“After completing our once-in-a-generation electrification project, it’s wonderful to receive such recognition from our peers in the transit industry,” said Caltrain board Chair Rico E. Medina. “Caltrain will continue to improve and innovate as it serves this region and the millions of people who rely on it.”  

“Thanks to its reinvented electrified service, Caltrain is serving more people every day,” said Caltrain board vice-chair Pat Burt. “This national recognition is yet more recognition that our investment in this railroad has been a big success, and we will continue to serve the millions of people who rely on us to get them where they need to go, fast and on time.

This fall, representatives from Caltrain will attend the APTA TRANSform Conference in Chicago to accept the award.   

Since the launch of electrified service, Caltrain has provided cleaner air for communities along the corridor and faster, more frequent service for riders throughout the San Francisco Peninsula with a state-of-the-art electric fleet featuring modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, baby changing tables in the bathroom and much more. 

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About Caltrain: Owned and operated by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, Caltrain provides rail service from San Francisco to San Jose, with commute service to Gilroy. Serving the region since 1863, Caltrain is the oldest continually operating rail system west of the Mississippi and the first railroad to convert from diesel to electric power in a generation.  

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