News & Reviews News Wire Caltrain energizes second major power substation for electrification project

Caltrain energizes second major power substation for electrification project

By Trains Staff | September 1, 2023

| Last updated on February 2, 2024


Second stop on new-equipment tour set for Sept. 23 in San Francisco

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Two trainsets parked at station
Two of Caltrain’s new Stadler EMU trainsets are displayed in San Francisco on Sept. 24, 2022. Caltrain has energized its second major electrical substation for the San Francscio-San Jose route. Caltrain

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Caltrain has energized the second traction power substation for the electrification of its San Francisco-San Jose main line, another step toward the planned launch of electrified operation in fall 2024.

The agency announced the substation, built by Balfour Beatty and its partners had been powered up by Pacific Gas & Electric on Aug. 30, expanding Caltrain’s ability to test and operate its electric trains. The first other major substation, in San Jose, was energized last August. They and eight smaller substations will distribute and regulate electricity for the overhead catenary system along the corridor.

Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard called the energization “a momentous milestone,” saying, “Soon we will be able to test electric trains along our entire corridor, and we are exited to deliver a world-class system for the public.”

As preparations for the electrification of the Caltrain system continues, the next stop in Caltrain’s public tour of the new equipment has been scheduled for Sept. 23 in San Francisco. After the first such event in San Jose drew large crowds, those planning to tour the trains are asked to RSVP and select a timed ticket for their tour. Other events will not require a ticket and are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information is available here.

One thought on “Caltrain energizes second major power substation for electrification project

  1. Well done Caltrain! Keep it up the good work for the happy inauguration of the electrification next autumn!

    Dr. Güntürk Üstün

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