It's very gratifying to see the things I've worked on become reality. This Saturday, September 21, CalTrain will launch its new schedule for fully electrified service. I hope you can drop by the celebration and catch a ride this weekend. It's a great way to recognize Transit Month.

I was able to ride the new trains last month during a celebration for officials, and I found the experience amazing. Whether commuting, catching a show or sporting event, or simply visiting a city, customers get quieter, faster and more frequent service throughout the 51-mile route along the Peninsula, between San Francisco and San Jose. Check out their schedule, so you can catch a ride on CalTrain too. Note that youth fares are now $1 each way and $2 for a day pass.

Back in 2022, when I was Assembly Budget Chair, I pushed for the passage of historic transportation funding under the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, which included $900 million to help get CalTrain's Electrification Project across the finish line. Along with federal funding and other sources, those aging, polluting diesel trains were finally retired to make way for an all-electric fleet.

Cleaner transportation has been a priority of mine because the impacts of global warming are evident. Electric buses, trains and ferries are better for our environment, as California seeks to meet our climate goals. By making the switch, CalTrain cuts 250,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year - the equivalent of taking 55,000 cars off the road annually. The health benefits of reduced pollution are also noteworthy, as the quality of the air we breathe improves.

The future is here, and CalTrain is setting the standard across the country for rail service powered by clean, renewable energy.

PHIL TING
Assemblymember, 19th District

P.S. Next weekend, please join me at the Richmond District Autumn Moon Festival. Details here.