Caltrain To Suspend SF-Millbrae Service Over 3 Weekends This Month

MILLBRAE, CA — Caltrain will not run trains between its San Francisco and Millbrae stations over the next three weekends as part of an effort to speed up electrification work.

The first-of-its-kind project in North America will see Caltrain fully transition from diesel to electric, and the new trains will be equipped with new safety features, digital screens, and baby-changing stations, with onboard WiFi and power outlets at every seat. Officials say the benefits will extend well beyond the rails.

"Electrification will also help meet ambitious regional and state climate action goals by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and relieving traffic congestion," Caltrain said. "Additionally, electrified service will advance equity along the corridor by reducing noise and air pollution while increasing access for priority equity communities. It will also set the framework for California's future High Speed Rail network that will run on the Caltrain corridor."

Caltrain expected the work would require service interruptions over 30 weekends this year, and the three upcoming stints will come close to rounding out the first two-thirds. While trains are not running, crews will install and test signal systems and place poles and wires along the route.

According to Caltrain, crews have already installed 66 poles and hung more than 557,000 feet of wire this year. Officials encourage riders to seek alternative transit options, like transferring to BART at Millbrae, during the weekend interruptions. Bus bridge service will be available, but passengers may encounter longer delays.

The project is on target to begin fully-electric passenger service by next fall.

Weekend Caltrain Service Interruptions

• Location: Stations between San Francisco and Millbrae
• Dates:
  • Aug. 12 - 13
  • Aug. 19 - 20
  • Aug. 26 - 27
• Check Caltrain's system status and find bus bridge information online.