Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) Policy

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) Policy

Approved by the Caltrain Chief Safety Officer on 04/07/2025

I.    Policy Statement

Safety first and always is a Caltrain Core Value. Taking photographs or video of Caltrain’s trains could be dangerous, so when taking photographs or video of Caltrain trains or other property:

a.    Stay off Caltrain tracks, bridges, buildings and other structures.

b.    At Caltrain stations and grade crossings, all safety rules, regulations and instructions provided by Caltrain must be obeyed. This includes remaining behind the yellow line on station platforms and 10-feet from the centerline of any track  or overhead catenary wire(“foul zone”).

Caltrain welcomes community interest, enthusiasm and documentation of the railroad within the bounds of our safety and security rules and regulations.

The focus of this policy is unmanned aircraft systems (“drones”), which pose unique safety risks to Caltrain and drone pilots, especially in an electrified railroad environment. Caltrain’s aerial documentation is captured by Professional Caltrain Remote Pilots with extensive rail safety training. Do not attempt to operate a drone over Caltrain property without express written permission from Caltrain.

II.    Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) Policy

Drones flown for commercial or recreational purposes must adhere to the following:

a.    Caltrain operates in a safety-sensitive environment. Never operate a drone in a manner that could distract or otherwise endanger yourself, Caltrain employees, equipment or the general public.

b.    All drone pilots must operate in compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and safety guidelines. Flying a drone or other small unmanned aerial vehicles without complying with Federal Aviation Regulations, whether for hobby or commercial purposes, could result in civil fines or criminal action. Drone pilots should refer to the “FAA Drone Zone” guidance, as well as applicable state and local laws and regulations.

c.    Drones may not take off from or land on Caltrain property unless the pilot is authorized to do so in writing by Caltrain.

Drones flown by Caltrain, its’ contractors, and agents for operations, maintenance, communications and marketing, or other Caltrain-approved purposes must adhere to the following:

d.    All drone pilots must operate in compliance with applicable FAA regulations and safety guidelines. Caltrain, contractors, and agent drone pilots must be certified as a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) if flying for Caltrain-approved purposes.

e.    Drone pilots must have written authorization from Caltrain before taking off from, landing on, or flying over Caltrain right of way for Caltrain-approved purposes. Drone pilots must adhere to all applicable Caltrain operating procedures, safety guidelines, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.