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A passionate train traveler and eco-warrior! 🌍 It’s time to get #Electrified as Caltrain is set to roll out a groundbreaking initiative.
Breaking News: Just a few days ago, Caltrain revealed that they’d secured the funds to trial the nation’s very first bi-level, dual electric, and battery-powered train. Exciting, right? 🎉
How does it work? 🤔 Well, imagine this: the train charges as it glides over electrified tracks, and when it hits the non-electrified patch from San Jose down south, it’ll seamlessly switch to battery power. Yup, #WirelessWonders.
This electrifying news comes after the California Transportation Commission gave a green light on funds for a Stadler battery-equipped electric train, plus the essential charging and maintenance facilities. Stadler is the genius behind Caltrain’s electric train designs.
The juicy details? 💼 The funds come from an impressive $80 million award from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). This will empower Caltrain to provide zero-emission trains across electrified and non-electrified areas, especially the stretch between Tamien Station in San Jose and Gilroy.
What’s more? Without this innovative Battery-Equipped Electric Multiple Unit (BEMU) train, Caltrain would have had to rely on diesel trains for the non-electrified zones. #CleanerCommutes, here we come!
This venture isn’t just limited to our home turf. The budget from CalSTA will also cater to test sessions at the Transportation Test Center in Colorado and bolster the San Jose Central Maintenance Facility and Gilroy station area to streamline charging and maintenance.
Picture this: the 4-car ensemble comprises three passenger vehicles and a state-of-the-art battery head to house the battery and power gear.
As San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan aptly said, “Silicon Valley is renowned for unparalleled innovations. Our transport field is no exception.” This venture foreshadows Caltrain’s ambitions to phase out its diesel collection and transition into a wholly zero-emission operation for our future offspring.
The excitement resonates with Carl Guardino, vice chairperson of the commission, who lauds this unanimous verdict as electrifying. He believes this breakthrough will “elevate the daily commute experience for thousands and serve as a beacon for transit systems nationwide.”
