‘A new generation,’ passengers ride Caltrain’s electric fleet for first time

Backed by a thick layer of fog, a line of brand new Caltrain cars, painted a sleek red and white, sat parked at the San Francisco station. Sandwiched in between the fleet were a few old trains, boxy, silver and stamped with faded logos. 

Caltrain welcomed members of the public on the new electrified trains for the first time Saturday morning at a VIP event, hosting local and state politicians like Gov. Gavin Newsom on the “sleeker” and “quieter” line that will run from San Francisco to San Jose. 

Starting on Monday, Caltrain will add two electric trains a week until Sept. 21, when the new trains completely replace the diesel fleet, said Robert Scarpino, Caltrain director of rail maintenance. 

San Francisco Mayor London Breed kicked off the event praising individuals who each raised billions of dollars for the electrification project, including the Biden-Harris administration. 

“We’re looking forward to seeing the trains move and groove, but we won’t hear ‘em coming cause they’re so quiet,” she said. 

Other officials applauded the trend-setting electrification project — the “first in North America” — that will improve air quality and help the state reach its emissions goals. 

State Assemblymember Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park, said the new trains would make people excited to ride public transit again.

“Caltrain is bringing sexy back,” he said, drawing cheers. 

After Newsom and Rep. Nancy Pelosi closed out the speeches and lauded a “new generation” that would begin in California, attendees boarded the trains. 

With train-wide air flow, vinyl seats, free Wi-Fi and widespread outlets, the new trains are a feat of two decades of rethinking transportation. 

As the train took off quietly, the passengers applauded, some yelling, “So smooth” and “It’s quiet!”

Doors connecting cars can be opened with the push of a button and — in contrast to older trains — passengers can walk into a new car without hearing the typical loud screeching and whoosh of air. 

Rider Matthew Quevedo, who used to ride Caltrain from San Jose to San Francisco everyday, said while he appreciates classic trains, this one “looks good.”

“It’s beautiful and everything we wanted,” he said. 

For now, Caltrain workers can’t anticipate when the electrified trains will operate outside of Bay Area cities due to funding and construction, Scarpino said. 

“But this is a huge accomplishment now,” said Scarpino, who stared out the window on the new train. 

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