Delivering on an Ambitious Vision for Silicon Valley Rail
THE CHALLENGE
Help a 150-Year-Old Railroad Deliver Return on Investment
In 2012, California made an initial investment of $600 million to modernize Caltrain rail service between San Francisco and San José by switching trains from diesel to electric power. While we celebrated this milestone, SPUR raised concerns that the railroad wasn’t planning for ridership growth, long-term funding sources, or integration with major station expansions in San Francisco and San José.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Set a More Ambitious Vision for Silicon Valley Rail Service
SPUR saw an opportunity to leverage the investment to truly expand and transform mobility in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Through hours of research, advocacy, and direct work with agency staff, SPUR pushed Caltrain to plan for a more ambitious future and to set its sights on a modern, frequent, high-capacity regional rail system.
THE POLICY SOLUTION
Inspire a Public Agency to Change Its Way of Doing Business
SPUR believed Caltrain could plan and deliver a future-ready system if it adopted the business mindset used by railroads around the world. Our 2016 Caltrain Corridor Vision Plan recommended that the railroad write a business plan. We then enlisted our network of partners at Stanford University, Google, Meta, Linkedin, the City of San José, and San Francisco International Airport to help make the case. Sustained advocacy helped Caltrain’s board and staff listen to our ideas, embrace change, and begin building their own vision for the future.
BIG WINS
A Business Plan, Management Reform, and Tax Revenue
SPUR’s role in transforming Caltrain didn’t end with the publication of our report. Over three years, we worked to make sure our ideas took root. We connected Caltrain staff with international rail experts, helped the agency fundraise to develop its own Business Plan and Vision, and supported work to revamp its planning program, modernize its organization and governance, and successfully seek its first dedicated tax-funding source.
IMPACT
A Fast, Frequent, Modern Ride for Caltrain Customers
Caltrain launched its long-awaited electrified service in fall 2024. Even at reduced, post-COVID service levels, the new electric trains provide faster travel times and more frequent stops at most stations. Passengers enjoy wi-fi, electric outlets, and a regular, clockface schedule that connects better with BART and buses — all SPUR recommendations. Despite the financial impacts of the pandemic, Caltrain has sustained operations thanks to the dedicated tax funding SPUR helped it win in 2020.
