Caltrain Upgrade Suspends Millbrae, SF Trips For Next 2 Weekends

MILLBRAE, CA — Caltrain's electrification project will see train service suspended between the Millbrae and San Francisco stations over the next two weekends, according to the transit agency. In a notice shared this week, Caltrain warned riders to utilize other transit options from June 10 to 11 and again from June 17 to 18.

Crews are scheduled to work both weekends along the railway, erecting poles and hanging wires, then installing and testing new signal equipment. The upcoming closures will bring Caltrain close to the halfway point of weekend service changes planned this year to accommodate the first-of-its-kind project to transition from diesel trains to a fully electrified system. The trains are getting an overhaul, too.

"The project will improve the customer experience by increasing the number of trains, modernizing service and adding new safety elements," Caltrain said Monday. "The new trains will feature on board displays with digital trip information, increased storage capacities, baby-changing tables, Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat."

Electrification will also help Caltrain meet local and state climate goals by reducing emissions and improving air quality while reducing noise and making access to transit more equitable.

According to Caltrain, construction crews have installed close to 60 new poles so far this year, along with more than 200,000 feet of wire. The next two service interruptions will be the 13th and 14th of 30 planned this year, with electrified passenger service scheduled to begin in fall 2024.

During both upcoming closures, riders may be able to utilize limited "bus bridge" service to hitch a ride to their destination.