Welcome to Green Talk #7 🌱

👋 Good afternoon! Today, we welcome our special guests from Cal Train: Sam Sergeant (Director of Strategy and Policy), Mark Clendenon (Director of Rail Activation and Transition), and Dan Liberman (Public Information Officer).

🚆 They will discuss the recent launch of electric trains that enhance Cal Train performance and benefit the environment.

Cal Train Overview 🚉

📏 Cal Train operates a 77-mile corridor from San Francisco to Gilroy, with 51 miles owned outright by Cal Train. The electrification project covers 26 miles from Tamien Station to Morgan Hill.

🚄 Currently, Cal Train runs 104 trains on weekdays and 64 trains on weekends, with a fleet of 19 electric multiple units and 9 diesel locomotives.

Electrification Benefits ⚡

🌍 The transition to electric trains aims to improve service frequency and reliability, doubling weekend service and enhancing the overall customer experience.

📈 Pre-pandemic, Cal Train had over 70,000 trips daily. Current average weekday ridership is around 25,000.

Infrastructure and Job Creation 🏗️

🔧 The electrification project involved significant infrastructure upgrades, including 3,000 foundations, 2,500 poles, and 2.5 million feet of overhead wire.

👷‍♂️ Over 33,000 jobs were created nationwide through this project, contributing to long-term employment opportunities in the region.

Future Projects and Opportunities 🚀

🔮 Cal Train is focused on optimizing rail service, regrowing ridership, and expanding infrastructure, including potential extensions to Salinas and a downtown extension in San Francisco.

📚 Internship opportunities will be available for students in various departments, with postings expected in February or March.

Conclusion 🙌

💬 Thank you for joining us today! We appreciate your interest and look forward to sharing more updates on Cal Train's progress with electric trains.