PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: FIRST FUNDING FLOWS FOR MODERNIZING CALTRAIN

The Bay Area Council joined elected leaders, including Rep. Jackie Speier, state Sen. Leland Yee, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, Assemblyman Jerry Hill and San Mateo County Supervisor Adrienne Tissier and top regional transportation officials yesterday in celebrating the first round of funding for transforming Caltrain from a 20th century diesel system into a modern and efficient 21st century commuter rail service that will support the continuing growth of the region’s most economically productive corridor linking San Francisco and San Jose through Silicon Valley. Electrifying and modernizing Caltrain was among the Bay Area Council’s lead policy priorities and top policy successes this year. The $40 million in funding approved by the California Transportation Commission will allow work to begin on a new train control system that will help increase Caltrain’s speed and safety, allow it to carry more passengers and ease traffic on clogged Highway 101. It’s part of a larger $1.5 billion package of funding that the Bay Area Council worked with federal, state, local and regional elected and transportation leaders to assemble. The Caltrain modernization work will also prepare the corridor for one day supporting high speed rail service. To participate in the Bay Area Council’s transportation policy work, contact Michael Cunningham.