San Jose Diridon construction Oct. 19 - Dec. Follow posted signs and check monitors for track assignment changes. More info.
Each year, Caltrain carries millions of riders across three counties and 20 jurisdictions. Caltrain’s new fast and frequent electrified service provides a stress-free, safe, and reliable way to get to school or work, reach essential healthcare appointments, connect with family and friends, and be a part of community events and local sports.
However, Caltrain is confronting a structural budget shortfall of approximately $75 million annually—one that could jeopardize Caltrain service, reducing mobility options for millions of riders and increasing traffic congestion from San Francisco to San Jose, and all along Caltrain’s corridor.
Without additional external funding, Caltrain is considering options such as:
- Closing more than one-third of stations,
- Eliminating all weekend service
- Reducing train frequency to once an hour
- Ending service by 9 p.m.
- Cutting segments of services.
How much funding will Caltrain receive, and for how many years?
Caltrain will receive 7% of the regional transit measure’s net revenue, estimated at approximately $75 million annually. That is roughly equivalent to Caltrain’s current annual operating deficit. Funding would be available for 14 years.
Does the measure close Caltrain's entire operating deficit, or only part of it?
Yes. Based on current forecasts, Caltrain’s share of the measure would cover its entire approximately $75 million annual operating deficit for the life of the measure.
Will there be any impacts to service? Are any of the potential cuts still on the table?
No. The measure would allow Caltrain to maintain the frequent, reliable, seven-day electric service communities rely on today—including strong peak-period service, regular off-peak and weekend trains, and vital connections to other regional transit providers.
What specifically will this revenue be spent on?
The funding is dedicated to operating Caltrain service—supporting the trains, stations, employees, maintenance, safety, and day-to-day operations needed to provide the reliable service communities count on today.
What oversight and accountability come with the funding?
The measure includes extensive oversight and accountability provisions—more than many prior regional transportation measures. This includes an independent oversight committee, financial and efficiency reviews, public reporting, maintenance-of-effort requirements, and mechanisms for participating counties to raise and resolve concerns about transit service, fare, cleanliness, and maintenance standards.
Will Caltrain keep cutting costs now that it has new funding?
Absolutely. Caltrain will continue to be a responsible steward of public resources. The new funding provides operating stability, but it does not reduce the need to identify efficiencies, control costs, support new revenue sources, and make the most effective use of every public dollar.
Is there a need for short-term funding until the revenue from this measure becomes available? Will Caltrain need a short-term loan?
Yes. Caltrain has already received a short-term loan from the State of California and will use those resources to bridge the period until regional measure revenues become available.
What happens when the measure expires after 14 years?
The measure provides Caltrain with the time and stability to strengthen its long-term financial footing. During that period, Caltrain will continue building ridership, managing costs, expanding other revenue sources, and planning for sustainable service beyond the measure’s expiration.
What does the measure mean for BART, Muni, AC Transit, VTA, SamTrans and the other agencies Caltrain riders connect to?
The measure supports the broader transit network Caltrain riders depend on. It would help avoid significant cuts to BART, Muni, and AC Transit, while providing additional operational and eligible capital resources for VTA and SamTrans. It also supports regional investments that improve transit connections, transfers, affordability, accessibility, and the overall rider experience.
Additional Resources
June 2026 Press Release, Adoption No External Funding Scenario HERE
June 2026 Presentation, Adoption Framework for No External Funding Scenario HERE
June 2026 Press Release, Caltrain Adopts FY27 Operating Budget and All Independent Efficiency Report Recommendations HERE
June 2026 Presentation, Adoption FY27 Budget and Efficiency Report HERE
April 2026 Press Release, Draft No External Funding Scenario HERE
April 2026 Presentation, Draft No External Funding Scenario HERE
As a public agency, Caltrain is barred from using public resources to advocate for or against a ballot measure. The information contained above is for informational purposes only.