San Jose Diridon construction Oct. 19 - Dec. Follow posted signs and check monitors for track assignment changes. More info.
Connect Bay Area provides a sustainable funding source to close Caltrain's projected operating deficit, allowing the agency to continue its momentum following electrification
Caltrain would like to thank Bay Area voters as election results show Connect Bay Area, the regional transit funding measure, has passed by 61.5% according to the campaign.
Caltrain is set to receive approximately 7% of the measure's revenue, an amount expected to address the agency's projected operating deficit over the 14-year life of the measure.
With this public investment, Caltrain expects to maintain the uninterrupted, seven-day-a-week, fast and reliable service riders have enjoyed since the launch of electric service.
"We're incredibly grateful to our elected leaders, business, labor and transit advocates, and most importantly, the Bay Area communities and riders we serve for showing up for public transit," said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard. "When it mattered most, our region came together to support transit, benefiting everyone who lives in the Bay Area. We will remain focused on providing safe, reliable, and efficient service while ensuring accountability and remaining responsible stewards of public funds.”
The vote comes during the strongest stretch of growth in Caltrain's recent history. The railroad served 12.6 million riders in fiscal year 2026, up nearly 38% from the year before, and carries the equivalent of three highway lanes worth of traffic every day. The American Public Transportation Association named Caltrain the fastest-growing transit agency in the country in 2025 and awarded Caltrain with its Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award for 2026. Recent surveys show 92% of riders say they are satisfied with Caltrain, an all-time high.
Caltrain's work to improve efficiency will continue even with the availability of this new funding. The agency has cut $76 million in costs while growing ridership and expanding revenue from advertising, property, and other assets.
“Voters gave Caltrain their trust, and the Board takes that responsibility seriously,” said Caltrain Board Chair Rico E. Medina. “The future of Caltrain depends on delivering reliable rail service while operating as efficiently as possible. Our customers deserve a service they can count on. One that is safe, dependable, convenient, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. We will remain accountable for maintaining that discipline year after year, while continuing to invest in a Caltrain that delivers real value for riders and the region.”
“This is a clear message that Bay Area residents understand how important Caltrain is to our region’s future,” said Caltrain Vice Chair Pat Burt. “The measure gives Caltrain the stability to build on the success of electrification, protect the all-day/7-day service our riders rely on, and continue connecting people to jobs, education, housing, entertainment, and one another. We are grateful for this vote of confidence and committed to delivering a rail system that is reliable, sustainable, and worthy of the public’s investment.”
Media Availability: Executive Director Michelle Bouchard is available for interviews today to discuss the Regional Transit Measure and what it means for Caltrain. To schedule, contact Dan Lieberman at 650.622.2492.
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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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