Caltrain successfully tested its electric trains and overhead wires between Redwood City and Mountain View for the first time over the weekend of March 9, the agency’s officials said.
According to Caltrain, live run tests of the electric trains began at 5 mph to ensure the overhead wire and train are properly connected. The trains then were tested using the corridor’s 79 mph maximum limit, finishing 25 such test runs over the weekend.
“With this live run, testing can now take place from San Jose to Redwood City, further accelerating the process and keeping the launch of service on schedule for fall 2024,” Caltrain officials said.
The rail line aims to complete 1,000 miles of testing before each electric train set is allowed to carry passengers. Caltrain officials said initial tests were conducted between the Santa Clara and College Park stations on the Santa Clara Drill Track.
Good to read they are finally getting close, and the faster-accelerating electric units will be welcome.
However, they still have to come up with $500 million over the next decade and last I read a few months ago, they are losing $2 million a month due to continued abysmal ridership. With the state no longer gushing money, this seems to be the elephant in the room.