January 9, 2026
All aboard the comment train
Caltrain shows why every region should be moving toward regional rail
Electric upgrade sparks rider boom while locals feud: game-changer or still slower than a car
TLDR: Caltrain’s electric upgrade pushed service up and helped drive a 47% ridership jump, with express trips around an hour. The comments are split: fans say frequency is a game-changer, skeptics say cars still beat it and long commutes feel painful—spotlighting America’s bigger rail showdown.
Caltrain ditched diesel for electric in late 2024 and the numbers are spicy: ridership jumped 47% year-over-year, with monthly riders smashing past one million and the agency crowned “fastest-growing” by APTA. The official hype says faster trips (about an hour from San Francisco to San Jose), more seats, and predictably timed departures thanks to a new schedule. Cue the comments section turning into a platform brawl.
The loudest skeptics rolled in first. One voice shot back, “Congrats, I guess?”, pointing out the route hasn’t expanded since the 90s, power outlets aren’t obvious, and “express tracks” are basically a myth. Another crowd claimed the car still wins: if it’s slower and awkward to reach, why bother? Meanwhile, a commute purist declared 30 minutes is the comfort ceiling—anything more becomes a “string-of-beads” slog along the line.
Supporters fired back with receipts: frequency is king, clock-face timing means you just “show up,” and the upgrades already boosted riders despite not being a full year of electrics. There were memes galore—“European envy” jokes, “Grade Separation Is Fantasy” eye-rolls, and a fair share of “make the subway meet the train” demands. The vibe? Electrification works, but access and speed still fuel the flame war. Check the facts here: Caltrain electrification and express travel time.
Key Points
- •Caltrain electrified its entire fleet in September 2024, replacing diesel along the 50‑mile San Francisco–San Jose main line.
- •FY2025 ridership rose 47% year‑over‑year to 9.1 million, with monthly riders exceeding 1 million in June, July, and August 2025.
- •APTA recognized Caltrain as the fastest‑growing transit agency in the U.S. in December.
- •The new schedule provides ~20% more weekday service, faster travel times, clock‑face departures, and 30‑minute off‑peak frequencies.
- •New electric trainsets have higher capacity (seven cars vs. five) and enable SF–SJ express trips in about one hour.