Caltrain Express Program

In 1997, after plans to extend Caltrain to downtown San Francisco were put on hold, the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (PCJPB) started the Rapid Rail Study, which was published as a draft in October 1998.{{cite report |url=http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_draft.pdf |title=Draft Caltrain Rapid Rail Study |date=1 October 1998 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=29 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807145542/http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_draft.pdf |archive-date=7 August 2011 |url-status=live }} The 1998 Rapid Rail Study prioritized planned capital improvements to implement the 1997 Caltrain 20-Year Strategic Plan, which sought to improve service and increase ridership, which was assumed to correspond directly to improved service (through decreased transit times and increased train frequencies). The highest-priority projects were intended to rehabilitate the line to "reverse decades of deferred maintenance" and enhance the line by adding overtake tracks to implement express service. After rehabilitation and enhancement, the Rapid Rail Study called for electrification of the line.

Proposed rehabilitation work included rebuilding tracks and grade crossings to enable Caltrain to raise the systemwide speed limit to {{convert|79|to|90|mph|abbr=on}} and replacing bridges, culverts, and signals. The initial enhancement projects included adding third overtake tracks in Burlingame (between the stations at Millbrae and San Mateo, for northbound trains) and San Mateo (between 9th Avenue and Hillsdale, for southbound trains) to allow express trains to pass slower all-stop local trains, and adding a third turnback track in Palo Alto to allow more frequent short-line service. In 1999, PCJPB published an implementation plan for the Rapid Rail Study which called for a $280 million investment from the three counties served by Caltrain.{{cite report |url=http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_implementation_plan.pdf |title=Caltrain Rapid Rail Study Implementation Plan |date=1999 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=29 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807145429/http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_implementation_plan.pdf |archive-date=7 August 2011 |url-status=live }}

California State Senator Jackie Speier and Caltrain leadership are credited with the idea to provide an express service for Caltrain during a brainstorming session.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_9_22_baby_bullet_service_and_founder_honored.html |title=Caltrain's Baby Bullet Service and Founder Honored |author= |date=22 September 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013052/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_9_22_baby_bullet_service_and_founder_honored.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} Senator Speier sponsored Senate Bill 2003 in February 2000 authorizing {{US$|127000000|2001|round=-5}} to fund CTX; the first draft of the bill included funding to create "little bullet" express Caltrain service between San Francisco and San Jose (with the goal to cut transit time in half compared to local, all-stop service) and also to rehabilitate the Dumbarton Rail Bridge in preparation to reroute Altamont Corridor Express (then Altamont Commuter Express) service from Stockton over the Dumbarton Rail Corridor.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Speier-s-Train-Bill-Would-Add-Rail-Service-to-3328549.php |title=Speier's Train Bill Would Add Rail Service to Silicon Valley |author1=Matier, Phillip |author2=Ross, Andrew |date=25 February 2000 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=26 March 2017}} By March 2000, the bill was being referred to as the "Baby Bullet Bill"{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/ACE-Train-s-Board-Wary-of-Expansion-Plans-Rep-2766853.php |title=ACE Train's Board Wary of Expansion Plans / Rep. Speier's proposal lacks money, critics say |author=Cabanatuan, Michael |date=28 March 2000 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=26 March 2017}} and it passed the Senate Transportation Committee on a 9–0 vote in April 2000{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/New-Move-To-Extend-Caltrain-Silicon-Valley-3304517.php |title=New Move To Extend Caltrain / Silicon Valley exodus prompts call for service |author=Pence, Angelica |date=7 April 2000 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=25 March 2017}} after it had been amended to remove Dumbarton Rail and focus solely on establishing express service.{{cite web |url=http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/99-00/bill/sen/sb_2001-2050/sb_2003_bill_20000411_amended_sen.html |title=Bill Number: SB 2003, Amended Bill Text |author=Speier, Jackie |date=11 April 2000 |publisher=California Secretary of State |accessdate=26 March 2017}} The funding request for the Caltrain express service was later incorporated directly into the Governor's budget.{{cite news |url=http://archives.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=2222 |title=Speier's bill proposes $225 mil for transit |author=Mays, Jon |date=8 February 2001 |newspaper=San Mateo Daily Journal |accessdate=25 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328020350/http://archives.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=2222 |archive-date=28 March 2017 |url-status=dead }} CTX was one of the projects recommended by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) under Resolution 3434 in December 2001.{{cite web |url=http://mtc.ca.gov/sites/default/files/RES-3434.pdf |title=Regional Transit Expansion Program of Projects: Metropolitan Transportation Commission Resolution No. 3434, Revised |author=MTC |date=19 December 2001 |website=Metropolitan Transportation Commission |accessdate=18 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318182925/http://mtc.ca.gov/sites/default/files/RES-3434.pdf |archive-date=18 March 2016 |url-status=live}}

CTX officially broke ground during a ceremony held at 4th and King on June 28, 2002.{{cite news |url=http://www.bayrailalliance.org/newsletter/2002/2002-3julaug_hi_sot.pdf |title=Governor Helps Launch CTX |date=July–August 2002 |newspaper=Staying on Track |publisher=BayRail Alliance |accessdate=26 March 2017}} The groundbreaking was attended by officials and politicians who had supported CTX, including Senator Speier, Governor Gray Davis, Secretary of Transportation and Housing Maria Contreras-Sweet, MTC Commissioner Sue Lempert, Caltrans Director Jeff Morales, and San Mateo County Supervisor Mike Nevin. At the time, it was the largest capital improvement program for Caltrain.

File:MPI MP36PH-3C locomotives of Caltrain at night.jpg

During CTX construction, Caltrain shut down weekend service for two years starting in July 2002 to allow track work.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Weekend-Caltrain-to-stop-running-for-2-years-2824851.php |title=Weekend Caltrain to stop running for 2 years |author=Gathright, Alan |date=5 July 2002 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=25 March 2017}} samTrans introduced the RRX bus line to temporarily replace weekend Caltrain service, but RRX was not a direct replacement, as the ride between San Francisco and San Jose was scheduled for 98 minutes, buses only ran until 8 P.M., and the line only had two intermediate stops, at Hillsdale and Palo Alto.{{cite news |url=http://www.almanacnews.com/morgue/2002/2002_07_10.caltrain.html |title=Caltrain launches major renovations |author=Softky, Marion |date=10 July 2002 |newspaper=The Almanac |accessdate=25 March 2017}}{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_weekend_trains.html |title=Weekend Trains to be Replaced by Buses |author= |date=June 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021012131611/http://www.caltrain.com/news_weekend_trains.html |archive-date=12 October 2002 |url-status=dead }} After construction was complete and weekend service resumed in June 2004, Caltrain offered free rides the first two weekends to lure riders back and to thank riders for their patience.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_5_11_baby_bullet_weekend_service.html |title=Caltrain to Roll Out Baby Bullet, Weekend Service in June |author= |date=11 May 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013515/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_5_11_baby_bullet_weekend_service.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }}{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_6_1_fun_and_free_rides.html |title=Caltrain Plans Weekend of Fun and Free Rides |author= |date=1 June 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013455/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_6_1_fun_and_free_rides.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} During construction, service was also reduced to a single track on Thursday and Friday nights after 9 p.m.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_weekend_shutdown.html |title=Weekend Shutdown for Construction Moves Ahead |author= |date=March 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021015035739/http://www.caltrain.com/news_weekend_shutdown.html |archive-date=15 October 2002 |url-status=dead }}

By April 2004, Caltrain was showing off the rolling stock it had acquired for Baby Bullet service.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_4_14_santa_clara_station_celebration.html |title=Caltrain Bullet Train on View for Santa Clara Weekend Celebration |author= |date=14 April 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013313/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_4_14_santa_clara_station_celebration.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} Construction was substantially complete by May 2004 when Caltrain began running "test" trains on the weekends to shake down the system and gain crew experience,{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_5_10_weekend_test_trains.html |title=Caltrain to Begin Running Weekend "Test" Trains |author= |date=10 May 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013114/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_5_10_weekend_test_trains.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} and the Baby Bullet trains entered revenue service on June 7, 2004; the first northbound Baby Bullet discharged over 600 passengers upon its arrival in San Francisco at 6:45 a.m., and had carried more than 1,000 during its inaugural run. The first southbound Baby Bullet left San Francisco with 420 passengers at 7:20 a.m. Baby Bullet trains often ran at standing room capacity during the first year.

Just prior to the inauguration of Baby Bullet service, Caltrain served an average of 27,000 riders per weekday. One year later, Caltrain ridership had increased by 12%,{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/BART-S-PENINSULA-LINE-FALLS-SHORT-OF-HOPES-2658527.php |title=BART's Peninsula Line Falls Short of Hopes / Competition from cheapter baby Bullet trains could be hurting ridership on extension |author=Murphy, Dave |date=30 June 2005 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=25 March 2017}} and by 2014, ten years later, Caltrain ridership had more than doubled to over 60,000 riders per weekday.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Business-Caltrain-group-vows-to-improve-commute-5849249.php |title=Business, Caltrain group looks to improve rail commute system |author=Cabanatuan, Michael |date=26 October 2014 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=25 March 2017}} Notably, once San Mateo County commuters were given the choice between BART and Caltrain to San Francisco after the completion of the BART extension to San Francisco International Airport, many riders continued to prefer Caltrain and the Baby Bullet service, which was cheaper and quicker than switching to BART at Millbrae, in part because Caltrain, which follows the 1907 Bayshore Cutoff route constructed by Southern Pacific, does not take a long detour west around San Bruno Mountain to reach San Francisco.

In addition to having one of the new locomotives named for her, Senator Speier received MTC's John F. Foran Legislative Award for her pivotal role in bringing Baby Bullet service online. CTX received an award from the California Transportation Foundation as the Program of the Year for 2004.{{cite news |url=http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2005/05/31/baby-bullet-wins-award/ |title=Baby bullet wins award |author= |date=31 May 2005 |newspaper=East Bay Times |accessdate=27 March 2017}} During the same ceremony, Speier was honored as the Legislator of the Year.

In 2017, the Rail and the California Economy report noted that Baby Bullet trains operated at 95% on-time performance (making stops within ten minutes of scheduled times) and, at around 60 minutes from San Francisco to San Jose, was faster than driving south on U.S. 101 during key commute hours. Driving times during peak afternoon commute hours could reach 75 minutes or more.{{cite report |url=http://www.dot.ca.gov/research/planning/docs/Rail_CAEconomy_Book_Report.pdf |title=Rail and the California Economy |author=Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Berkeley |date=2017 |publisher=California Department of Transportation |accessdate=31 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831140440/http://www.dot.ca.gov/research/planning/docs/Rail_CAEconomy_Book_Report.pdf |archive-date=31 August 2017 |url-status=live}}

On September 21, 2024, with the completion of the Caltrain electrification project, the Baby Bullet was renamed as simply the "Express" service.

File:Bayshore Station 3227 15.JPG]]

Caltrain split the CTX project into two separate phases, based on geographic region. The North CTX extended from San Francisco to Redwood City, and the South CTX spanned the tracks from Menlo Park to Santa Clara.{{cite web |url=http://caltrain.com/info_projects_CTXfacts.html |title=CTX Fact Sheet |author= |date=August 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=25 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020809022350/http://caltrain.com/info_projects_CTXfacts.html |archive-date=9 August 2002 |url-status=dead }} The North CTX contract was awarded in April 2002 to the joint venture partnership of Herzog Contracting Corporation and Stacy & Witbeck (Herzog-Stacy-Witbeck).{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_CTX_contract.html |title=Caltrain Board Awards North CTX Improvement Contract |author= |date=April 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021015041248/http://www.caltrain.com/news_CTX_contract.html |archive-date=15 October 2002 |url-status=dead }} Herzog-Stacy-Witbeck also won the South CTX contract, as announced in January 2003.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_south_ctx.html |title=Southern Caltrain Construction Set to Begin |author= |date=January 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015350/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_south_ctx.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} The key elements of CTX were the overtake tracks, high-speed crossovers, and a central traffic control system which collectively allowed a single office to route trains.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_construction_continues.html |title=Staying on Track for the Future: Caltrain Construction Continues |author= |date=March 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015120/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_construction_continues.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} To support smoother operation at higher sustained speeds, Caltrain also laid down continuous-welded rails.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_media_advisory.html |title=Caltrain Tracks to be Ripped Out |author= |date=August 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021015035823/http://www.caltrain.com/news_media_advisory.html |archive-date=15 October 2002 |url-status=dead }}

During the CTX project, Caltrain rebuilt the Bayshore station, relocating it slightly south of the prior location to accommodate the north quad track overtake section ending just south of Tunnel #4. This moved nearly all of the Bayshore station out of the City and County of San Francisco and broke a planned intermodal connection to the Third Street Light Rail Project, the first expansion phase of the Muni Metro light rail system, which was building tracks down Third Street. The new T Third Street line, which opened in 2007, terminates at Sunnydale Station as Muni Metro has never built any tracks in San Mateo County, and a planned {{convert|0.5|mi|adj=on}} loop extension to Bayshore was studied in 2012.{{cite report |url=http://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/content/Planning/Bayshore/Bayshore_final_report.pdf |title=Bayshore Intermodal Station Access Study |author= |date=March 2012 |publisher=San Francisco County Transportation Authority |accessdate=26 March 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Bayshore-Station-envisioned-as-vibrant-transit-hub-3451733.php |title=Bayshore Station envisioned as vibrant transit hub |author=Wildermuth, John |date=28 April 2014 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=26 March 2017}} A small rail bridge south of Bayshore was built over a creek as part of CTX.

The Lawrence station was in the right-of-way planned for the south quad-track overtake section, so Lawrence was rebuilt with new platforms and an under-track pedestrian tunnel. Work at Lawrence was anticipated to be completed by the end of 2003,{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_rain_delay.html |title=Rain Delays Planned Caltrain Lawrence Station Move |date=April 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015159/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_rain_delay.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} and the rebuilt Lawrence was opened in March 2004.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_2_26_lawrence_caltrain_station.html |title=New Lawrence Caltrain Station Set to Open |date=26 February 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013004/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_2_26_lawrence_caltrain_station.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }}

The Millbrae station also received some upgrades; a third track was added and existing tracks were relocated, requiring Caltrain to demolish the existing platform.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_north_ctx.html |title=North CTX Construction Moving Faster than Expected |author= |date=September 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021015041020/http://www.caltrain.com/news_north_ctx.html |archive-date=15 October 2002 |url-status=dead }} Millbrae station updates were scheduled to complete with the opening of the new intermodal station in January 2003.

File:Sunnyvale four tracks (33608468046).jpg]]

CTX added quad-track overtake sections near the cities of Brisbane and Sunnyvale.{{cite news |url=http://www.bayrailalliance.org/newsletter/2004/2004-3dec_sot.pdf |title=Caltrain CTX and Baby Bullets boos Ridership 17% |author= |date=December 2004 |newspaper=Staying on Track |publisher=BayRail Alliance |accessdate=26 March 2017}} During the initial design phase, overtakes were also announced for Millbrae and Redwood City.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Fast-train-to-San-Jose-may-boost-L-A-bullet-2853206.php |title=Fast train to San Jose may boost L.A. bullet / Caltrain commuter seen as a first step |author=Gathright, Alan |date=19 November 2001 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=25 March 2017}} Millbrae gained a third track, and Redwood City added two sidings near Redwood Junction, approximately {{convert|1.2|mi}} between Chestnut Street and Fifth Avenue. From north to south, the completed quad-track overtake sections are:

1. Brisbane, approximately {{convert|2|mi}} between Candlestick Cove and Tunnel #4 (overlaps Bayshore Station)
2. Sunnyvale, approximately {{convert|2|mi}} between Fair Oaks and Bowers (overlaps Lawrence Station)

CTX also included crossover switches, which improved operating flexibility to allow trains to bypass stalled trains,{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_detour.html |title=Caltrain Track Work to Require Detour in San Mateo |author= |date=April 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015044/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_detour.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }}{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_ctx_construction_project.html |title=Signal a "Go" for Caltrain Thanks to CTX Construction Project |author= |date=August 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015343/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_ctx_construction_project.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} and a centralized traffic control (CTC) system, which allowed track signaling and switching operations to be handled from a single facility in San Jose, rather than relying on dispatched crews throwing manual switches. Prior to CTX, trains typically had to stop and de-board operators and conductors, who would throw switches by hand. Although CTC was already partially implemented near the two main terminals at San Francisco and San Jose, CTX added CTC throughout the route, and 12 signal bridges were added to the line in total.

By November 2002, Caltrain had rebuilt {{convert|5900|ft}} of track as part of the North CTX project, which included conversion to continuous welded rail and replacement of wooden ties with concrete ties.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2002_16th_street.html |title=North CTX Construction to Shutdown 16th Street Near Tracks |author= |date=November 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013721/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2002_16th_street.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} Full-speed testing of track upgrades occurred over two weekends in May 2004, just before the Baby Bullet service started in June.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Speedy-baby-bullet-trains-ready-to-roll-2759438.php |title=Speedy baby bullet trains ready to roll |author=Heredia, Christopher |date=14 May 2004 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=26 March 2017}} Crews and central control practiced overtaking slower trains and routing around delays induced by disabled trains.

Baby Bullet service launched in June 2004 with ten trains per weekday, which made only four intermediate stops between San Francisco and San Jose Diridon: Millbrae, Hillsdale, Palo Alto, and Mountain View. The ten trains consisted of three northbound and two southbound trains in the morning, and three southbound and two northbound trains in the afternoon; the two southbound morning trains and two northbound afternoon trains made additional stops at 22nd Street to serve reverse commuters. Since these trains operated with far fewer stops, they took only 57 minutes to travel between San Francisco and San Jose, compared to 96 scheduled minutes for local trains making all stops, even though the maximum train speed remained at {{convert|79|mi/hour|km/hour}}.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/CALTRAIN-Baby-Bullet-to-premiere-Rail-2770861.php |title=CALTRAIN / 'Baby Bullet' to premiere / Rail travel between S.F, San Jose gets faster come Monday |author=Cabanatuan, Michael |date=8 June 2004 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=25 March 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/BAY-AREA-Bully-for-Baby-Bullet-riders-say-2715103.php |title=BAY AREA / Bully for Baby Bullet, riders say / High praise, heavy loads for swift new commuter trains |author=Cabanatuan, Michael |date=8 June 2004 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=25 March 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/BAY-AREA-Baby-Bullet-trains-shoot-for-June-2771698.php |title=BAY AREA / 'Baby Bullet' trains shoot for June rollout |author=Cabanatuan, Michael |date=3 April 2004 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=25 March 2017}}

{{blockquote |text=This cuts my commute so much that it's faster than driving. |author=Scott Hofmeister |source=Inaugural day interview with San Francisco-to-Mountain View commuter, June 7, 2004}}

The revised schedule was the product of more than two hundred iterations, and added ten trains per weekday without increasing staffing because equipment was being used more efficiently.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_3_15_transforming_caltrain.html |title=Transforming Caltrain: From Caterpillar to Butterfly in Three Easy Steps |author= |date=15 March 2005 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015702/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_3_15_transforming_caltrain.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} However, mid-day (off-peak) service was reduced at seven stations; trains used to stop every half hour, but the mid-day headway changed to every hour at 22nd Street, Bayshore, South San Francisco, Broadway, Hayward Park, Redwood City, Atherton, and Tamien.

Riders to stations not served by Baby Bullet service complained their commute times increased because their trains slowed to allow Baby Bullets to overtake.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/openforum/article/Baby-Bullet-fast-track-if-you-can-catch-it-2743457.php |title=OPINION: Baby Bullet – fast track (if you can catch it) |author=Ringham, Arthur |date=7 July 2004 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=25 March 2017}} Clem Tillier noted ridership at stations not served by Baby Bullets continued to be depressed in the years following CTX implementation,{{cite web |url=http://caltrain-hsr.blogspot.com/2011/12/baby-bullet-effect.html |title=The Baby Bullet Effect |author=Tillier, Clem |date=18 December 2011 |website=Caltrain HSR Compatibility Blog |accessdate=27 March 2017}} and that elimination of Baby Bullet service under a planned 76-train schedule actually improved service quality.{{cite web |url=http://caltrain-hsr.blogspot.com/2011/04/mind-service-gap.html |title=Mind The Service Gap |author=Tillier, Clem |date=9 April 2011 |website=Caltrain HSR Compatibility Blog |accessdate=27 March 2017}} Caltrain had initially proposed trimming the schedule from 86 trains per weekday to 48 trains only during peak hours to close a budget gap in 2011,{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Caltrain-seeks-answers-to-funding-crisis-2478068.php |title=Caltrain seeks answers to funding crisis |author=Cabanatuan, Michael |date=21 January 2011 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=27 March 2017}} later refining the proposal to 76 trains per weekday and eliminating Baby Bullet service.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Caltrain-finds-funds-to-save-schedule-delays-vote-2375770.php |title=Caltrain find funds to save schedule, delays vote |author=Cabanatuan, Michael |date=7 April 2011 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=27 March 2017}} However, one-time funds were diverted from other sources and no service cuts were made in 2011.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Caltrain-plan-would-keep-services-going-1-year-2374268.php |title=Caltrain plan would keep services going 1 year |author=Cabanatuan, Michael |date=21 April 2011 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=27 March 2017}}

In 2005, Caltrain expanded Baby Bullet service by adding two trains per weekday in May,{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_5_2_media_advisory.html |title=Caltrain Rolls Out Two More Bullet Trains Monday, May 2 |author= |date=2 May 2005 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015753/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_5_2_media_advisory.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} and ten more trains per weekday in August, for a total of twenty-two Baby Bullet trains per weekday; the August schedule revision added express stops for certain "Pattern B" trains at San Mateo, Redwood City, Menlo Park, Sunnyvale, and Tamien.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/TRANSPORTATION-Baby-Bullet-service-expands-2651234.php |title=TRANSPORTATION / Baby Bullet service expands / Starting this morning, Caltrain is running 96 trains on weekdays |author=Murphy, Dave |date=1 August 2005 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=25 March 2017}} With this expansion, though, weekday service to the holdout-rule stations at Broadway and Atherton was dropped, the sparse weekday service to {{cals|Paul Avenue}} was suspended entirely,{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_5_23_broadway_and_atherton.html |title=Caltrain to Continue Weekend Service for Broadway and Atherton |date=23 May 2005 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050526034241/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_5_23_broadway_and_atherton.html |archive-date=2005-05-26 |url-status=dead |accessdate=4 June 2018 }} and other trains operating during commute hours were changed from local-service, all-stop to limited service, skipping stops either between San Francisco and Redwood City, or between Redwood City and San Jose; Redwood City became a major transfer point for riders.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/BAY-AREA-Riders-get-a-bang-out-of-Bullets-as-2618865.php |title=BAY AREA / Riders get a bang out of Bullets as expanded trainservice starts / Caltrain praised for easing stress, shaving commute |author1=Murphy, Dave |author2=Fulbright, Leslie |date=2 August 2005 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=26 March 2017}}

File:Jackie Speier Caltrain.jpg locomotive JPBX#925 is named for Jackie Speier.]]

In 2011, Caltrain added Baby Bullet service to weekend schedules.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Caltrain-to-test-weekend-Baby-Bullet-runs-2534604.php |title=Caltrain to test weekend Baby Bullet runs |author=Cabanatuan, Michael |date=1 January 2011 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=25 March 2017}} There were four weekend/holiday Baby Bullets per day (two in the mornings and two in the evenings), each making seven intermediate stops between 4th&King and Diridon: Millbrae, San Mateo, Hillsdale, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale; these stations were selected for their proximity to activities as probable leisure time destinations.

Caltrain modified Pattern B trains to add a reverse-commute stop at Palo Alto in October 2012. With this change, all Baby Bullet trains stop at Palo Alto, regardless of pattern or direction. Caltrain shifted to a modified Pattern A on April 10, 2017, which added a reverse-commute stop at Redwood City. The revised schedule also extended service to Tamien for reverse-commute (southbound) Pattern B trains in the morning and California Ave for peak-direction (southbound) Pattern B trains in the afternoon.

Caltrain service on weekends north of Bayshore was suspended and replaced by a bus bridge from October 2018 to March 2019 in order to accommodate tunnel notching work for the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project. Weekend Baby Bullet trains originated and terminated at Bayshore, and a bus bridge made stops at both stations in San Francisco.{{cite web |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Marketing/pdf/Caltrain+Weekend+Timetable+with+Bus+Bridge.pdf |title=Weekend Timetable with Bus Bridge |date=October 3, 2018 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=3 October 2018}}

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and loss of passenger traffic, Caltrain discontinued all weekday Baby Bullet service from Monday, March 30, 2020, to August 27, 2021, and all weekend Baby Bullet service indefinitely, starting December 12, 2020.{{cite press release |url=https://www.caltrain.com/about/MediaRelations/news/Caltrain_to_Implement_Additional_Weekday_Service_Reductions.html |title=Caltrain to Implement Additional Weekday Service Reductions |date=March 26, 2020 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=28 December 2020}} Weekday Baby Bullet service was restored on August 30, 2021, with twelve trains total: six northbound and six southbound, with three each during peak morning and afternoon commute hours.

Effective September 21, 2024 with the transition to full electric service between San Francisco and San Jose, Baby Bullet service was discontinued and rebranded as the "Express" service. 14 Express trains run each weekday, 3 per direction during peak morning commute hours and 4 per direction during peak afternoon commute hours. Express trains make nine stops between San Francisco 4th & King and San Jose Diridon: 22nd Street, South San Francisco, Millbrae, San Mateo, Hillsdale, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale, with a scheduled journey time of 59 minutes. Select Express trains provide timed cross-platform transfers at San Jose Diridon to and from South County Connector diesel trains for continuing service to Gilroy.

Caltrain purchased six MPI MP36PH-3C locomotives and seventeen Bombardier BiLevel Coaches to assemble Baby Bullet trains, supplementing the existing fleet of EMD F40PH locomotives and Nippon Sharyo gallery cars, which continued in local and limited-stop service.{{cite web |url=http://www.caltrain.com/about/statsandreports/commutefleets.html |title=Commute Fleets |date=2017 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=25 March 2017}} The prime mover in the MP36PH-3C is an EMD 16-645F3B V-16 diesel, with approximately 15–20% more power than the 16-645E3B in the F40PH, and head-end power is provided by a Caterpillar C-27; Caltrain was the lead customer for the MP36PH-3C. Caltrain unveiled the first of the new locomotives, JPBX #923 in a ceremony held on April 4, 2003, at Burlingame and attended by Senator Speier.{{cite news |url=http://www.bayrailalliance.org/newsletter/2003/2003-2may_sot.pdf |title=Caltrain unveils the Baby Bullet locomotive |last=Shelton |first=Bruce |date=May 2003 |newspaper=Staying on Track |publisher=BayRail Alliance |accessdate=26 March 2017}} The event ended in a round-trip excursion to Redwood City.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_new_baby.html |title=The Stork Delivers Caltrain's New Baby |date=April 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015652/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_new_baby.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} Locomotive JPBX #925 was dedicated to Senator Speier; her popularity, as evidenced by the named locomotive, was cited as one factor contributing to Lawrence Lessig's decision to withdraw from the special election (where he would have opposed her) to replace Tom Lantos in 2008.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2008/02/long-odds-lead-lessig-to-decide-against-run-for-congress/ |title=Long odds lead Lessig to decide against run for Congress |author=Sanchez, Julian |date=25 February 2008 |website=Ars Technica |accessdate=26 March 2017}}

PCJPB purchased the seventeen Bombardier cars (ten coaches and seven cab cars) from Sound Transit, which oversees the Seattle-region Sounder commuter rail service. Sound Transit had ordered thirty-two cars in 1999 to be delivered in 2001 for a planned system expansion, and a combination of events, where the manufacturer completed the cars ahead of schedule and the expansion plans were unexpectedly delayed, left the cars available for Caltrain.{{cite web |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/html/board/motions/html/motionm2001-72.html |title=Sound Transit Motion No. M2001-72 |date=9 August 2001 |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=25 March 2017}} The cars made their debut on June 28, 2002, during the groundbreaking ceremony that accompanied the launch of CTX; dignitaries had boarded the low-floor Bombardier cars at South San Francisco and rode up to 4th and King.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_ctx_event.html |title=Caltrain Unveils New Passenger Cars at CTX Event |date=June 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021015042930/http://www.caltrain.com/news_ctx_event.html |archive-date=15 October 2002 |url-status=dead }} Bombardier cars entered revenue service in October 2002.{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2002_baby_bullet_cars.html |title=Caltrain Baby Bullet Cars Entering Service |date=October 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318014212/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2002_baby_bullet_cars.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }} During the first year of Baby Bullet service in 2004, the five-car Bombardier consists had a capacity of only sixteen bicycles per train, and carried heavy passenger loads.

As part of the 2024 Caltrain electrification project, Stadler KISS EMUs were introduced on the line. The MP36PH-3C locomotives and BiLevel Coaches remain in service, now exclusively serving the South County Connector between San Jose Diridon and Gilroy.{{Cite magazine |date=16 August 2016 |title=Stadler wins big contract for Caltrain bilevel EMUs |url=http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2016/08/16-caltrain-stadler |magazine=Trains Magazine |access-date=16 October 2016}}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-09 |title=Caltrain to place first electric trainsets in service |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/caltrain-to-place-first-electric-trainsets-in-service/ |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=Trains |language=en-US}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{cite web |url=https://train-simulator.com/the-way-to-san-jose/ |title=San Francisco's Peninsula Corridor route is coming to Train Simulator, and we preview the line and its operations |last=Dolzall |first=Gary |date=6 December 2016 |website=Dovetail Games |accessdate=26 March 2017}}
• {{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_baby_bullet_stops.html |title=Caltrain Announces Baby Bullet Stops |date=September 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015424/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_baby_bullet_stops.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }}
• {{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_6_2_media_advisory_baby_bullet_service.html |title=Caltrain Kicks Off Baby Bullet Service with Senator Speier |date=2 June 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318012851/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_6_2_media_advisory_baby_bullet_service.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }}
• {{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_7_22_reinvention.html |title=Caltrain "Reinvention" Adds 10 Trains, Faster Trips |date=22 July 2005 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318020301/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_7_22_reinvention.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }}
• {{cite journal |doi=10.3141/1677-04 |title=Caltrain Rapid Rail Plan |last=Nash |first=Andrew |journal=Transportation Research Record |year=1999 |volume=1677|pages=31–39 |s2cid=108767535 }}
• {{cite report |url=http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_draft.pdf |title=Draft Caltrain Rapid Rail Study |date=1 October 1998 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=29 March 2017}}
• {{cite report |url=http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_implementation_plan.pdf |title=Caltrain Rapid Rail Study Implementation Plan |date=1999 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=29 March 2017}}
• {{cite conference |url=https://www.arema.org/files/library/2004_Conference_Proceedings/00006.pdf |title=The Caltrain CTX Projects |author1=Steelman, Harry |author2=Nagel, Robert |date=2004 |conference=American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association |accessdate=30 September 2018}}

{{Caltrain}}

Category:Caltrain