The authority behind California’s proposed high-speed rail network has reached an agreement with the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB) which will see track between San Francisco and San Jose readied for high-speed services.
Work can now be carried out to upgrade the Caltrain corridor, with plans already in place to electrify the corridor by 2019, install a modern signalling system and procure new electric trains.
Jeff Morales, chief executive of the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), said: “The authority is looking forward to working with our regional partners in moving forward with the projects specified in this MoU.
“The blended system will allow existing rail systems to benefit from and eventually merge with the high-speed rail programme, while also benefitting Bay Area commuters and all Californians in the near future.”
Owned and operated by the JPB, Caltrain provides commuter rail service from San Francisco to San Jose and additional commuter service to Gilroy.
The total cost of electrifying and modernizing the Caltrain system is $1.45 billion.
The state’s $705 million contribution is being matched thorough a combination of federal, regional and local funding sources.
