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{{Short description|Faster San Francisco–San Jose rail service}}
{{use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{redirect|Baby Bullet|the racing aircraft built by Edward Bayard Heath|Heath Baby Bullet|the blender|Magic Bullet (appliance)}}
{{Infobox project
| name = Caltrain Express (CTX)
| logo =
| image = Caltrain train 1.jpg
| caption = Northbound Baby Bullet in 2005
| mission_statement =
| commercial =
| type =
| products =
| ___location = [[San Francisco Peninsula]]
| country =
| owner = [[Caltrain]]
| key_people =
| established = {{Start date|2002|04|04}} (contract award)
| launched = {{date|2004|06|04}} (revenue service)
| funding =
| budget = US$110 million
| current_status = In service
| website = {{URL|caltrain.com/news_ctx_fact_sheet.html}}<br/>([https://web.archive.org/web/20030412162846/http://caltrain.com/news_ctx_fact_sheet.html Archived] Apr 12, 2003)
}}
The '''Caltrain Express Program''' ('''CTX''') was implemented from 2002 to 2004 to establish the '''Baby Bullet''' express service, which shortened the transit time on the [[Caltrain]] commuter rail line between [[San Francisco]] and [[San Jose, California|San Jose]], and certain stations in between. New locomotives and rolling stock were purchased for dedicated express service, bypassing most stations; [[Quadruple-track railway|quad-track overtake sections]] were added in two locations along the Peninsula Corridor right-of-way to allow express trains to pass slower local trains that were making all stops; tracks were also upgraded with [[Track (rail transport)#Continuous welded rail|continuous-welded rail]]; a [[centralized traffic control]] system was added; and [[railroad switch|crossovers]] were added every few miles to allow single-tracking trains around disabled trains. Congresswoman [[Jackie Speier]], then serving as a California State Senator, is credited with securing the funding for CTX and one of the new locomotives acquired for the project is named for her as a result. During commute hours, the Baby Bullet went up to 20 percent faster than driving south from San Francisco to San Jose. On September 21, 2024, with the completion of the [[Caltrain Modernization Program|Caltrain modernization project]] and the transition to electrified trains, the Baby Bullet was renamed as simply the '''Express''' service.<ref name=":0" />
==History==
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.<ref name=98RRS>{{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 }}</ref> 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 [[passing loop|overtake tracks]] to implement express service.<ref name=98RRS /><ref name=99RRSIP /> After rehabilitation and enhancement, the ''Rapid Rail Study'' called for [[Caltrain Modernization Program|electrification of the line]].<ref name=98RRS />
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.<ref name=98RRS /> 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 [[pocket track|turnback track]] in Palo Alto to allow more frequent short-line service.<ref name=98RRS /> In 1999, PCJPB published an implementation plan for the ''Rapid Rail Study'' which called for a $280 million investment from the three counties served by Caltrain.<ref name=99RRSIP>{{cite report |url=http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_implementation_plan.pdf |title=Caltrain Rapid Rail Study Implementation Plan |date=1999 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=29 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807145429/http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_implementation_plan.pdf |archive-date=7 August 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
California State Senator Jackie Speier and Caltrain leadership are credited with the idea to provide an express service for Caltrain during a brainstorming session.<ref name=Cal-040922>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_9_22_baby_bullet_service_and_founder_honored.html |title=Caltrain's Baby Bullet Service and Founder Honored |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=22 September 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013052/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_9_22_baby_bullet_service_and_founder_honored.html |archive-date=18 March 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Senator Speier sponsored Senate Bill 2003 in February 2000 authorizing {{US$|127000000|2001|round=-5}} to fund CTX;<ref name=SFC-020705 /> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> By March 2000, the bill was being referred to as the "Baby Bullet Bill"<ref>{{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}}</ref> and it passed the Senate Transportation Committee on a 9–0 vote in April 2000<ref name=SFC-000407>{{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}}</ref> after it had been amended to remove Dumbarton Rail and focus solely on establishing express service.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The funding request for the Caltrain express service was later incorporated directly into the Governor's budget.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> CTX was one of the projects recommended by the [[Metropolitan Transportation Commission (San Francisco Bay Area)|Metropolitan Transportation Commission]] (MTC) under Resolution 3434 in December 2001.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
===Construction===
CTX officially broke ground during a ceremony held at 4th and King on June 28, 2002.<ref name=BRA-0207>{{cite news |url=http://www.bayrailalliance.org/newsletter/2002/2002-3julaug_hi_sot.pdf |title=Governor Helps Launch CTX
[[File:MPI MP36PH-3C locomotives of Caltrain at night.jpg|thumb
During CTX construction, Caltrain shut down weekend service for two years starting in July 2002 to allow track work.<ref name=SFC-020705>{{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}}</ref><ref name=SFC-040601 /> [[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.<ref name=SFC-020705 /><ref name=Almanac>{{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}}</ref><ref name=Cal-0203 /><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_weekend_trains.html |title=Weekend Trains to be Replaced by Buses |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |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 }}</ref> 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.<ref name=SFC-040514 /><ref name=Cal-040511>{{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=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |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 }}</ref><ref>{{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=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |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 }}</ref> During construction, service was also reduced to a single track on Thursday and Friday nights after 9 p.m.<ref name=Cal-0203>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_weekend_shutdown.html |title=Weekend Shutdown for Construction Moves Ahead |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |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 }}</ref>
===Baby Bullet service===
By April 2004, Caltrain was showing off the rolling stock it had acquired for Baby Bullet service.<ref>{{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=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=14 April 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |
Just prior to the inauguration of Baby Bullet service, Caltrain served an average of 27,000 riders per weekday.<ref name=SFC-040601 /> One year later, Caltrain ridership had increased by 12%,<ref name=SFC-050630>{{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}}</ref> and by 2014, ten years later, Caltrain ridership had more than doubled to over 60,000 riders per weekday.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Notably, once [[San Mateo County]] commuters were given the choice between [[Bay Area Rapid Transit|BART]] and Caltrain to San Francisco after the completion of the [[History of Bay Area Rapid Transit#San Francisco International Airport extension (1984–2003)|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 Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]], does not take a long detour west around [[San Bruno Mountain]] to reach San Francisco.<ref name=SFC-050630 />
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.<ref name=Cal-040922 /> CTX received an award from the California Transportation Foundation as the Program of the Year for 2004.<ref name=EBT-050531>{{cite news |url=http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2005/05/31/baby-bullet-wins-award/ |title=Baby bullet wins award |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=31 May 2005 |newspaper=East Bay Times |accessdate=27 March 2017}}</ref> During the same ceremony, Speier was honored as the Legislator of the Year.<ref name=EBT-050531 />
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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
On September 21, 2024, with the completion of the [[Caltrain Modernization Program|Caltrain electrification project]], the Baby Bullet was renamed as simply the "Express" service.<ref name=":0" />
==Design==
[[File:Bayshore Station 3227 15.JPG|thumb
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.<ref name=FactSheet>{{cite web |url=http://caltrain.com/info_projects_CTXfacts.html |title=CTX Fact Sheet |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |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 }}</ref> The North CTX contract was awarded in April 2002 to the joint venture partnership of [[Herzog Contracting Corporation]] and [[Stacy & Witbeck]] (Herzog-Stacy-Witbeck).<ref name=Cal-0204>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_CTX_contract.html |title=Caltrain Board Awards North CTX Improvement Contract |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |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 }}</ref> Herzog-Stacy-Witbeck also won the South CTX contract, as announced in January 2003.<ref name=Cal-0301>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_south_ctx.html |title=Southern Caltrain Construction Set to Begin |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |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 }}</ref> 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.<ref name=Cal-0303>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_construction_continues.html |title=Staying on Track for the Future: Caltrain Construction Continues |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |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 }}</ref> To support smoother operation at higher sustained speeds, Caltrain also laid down continuous-welded rails.<ref name=Cal-0208>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_media_advisory.html |title=Caltrain Tracks to be Ripped Out |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |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 }}</ref>
===Station rebuilds===
During the CTX project, Caltrain rebuilt the [[Bayshore station (Caltrain)|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, California|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 (San Francisco)|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.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/content/Planning/Bayshore/Bayshore_final_report.pdf |title=Bayshore Intermodal Station Access Study |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=March 2012 |publisher=San Francisco County Transportation Authority |accessdate=26 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> A small rail bridge south of Bayshore was built over a creek as part of CTX.<ref name=Cal-0211 />
The [[Lawrence
The [[Millbrae station]] also received some upgrades; a third track was added and existing tracks were relocated, requiring Caltrain to demolish the existing platform.<ref name=Cal-0209>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_north_ctx.html |title=North CTX Construction Moving Faster than Expected |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=September 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |
===Track upgrades (overtakes, crossovers, and traffic control)===
[[File:Sunnyvale four tracks (33608468046).jpg|thumb|
CTX added quad-track overtake sections near the cities of [[Brisbane, California|Brisbane]] and [[Sunnyvale, California|Sunnyvale]].<ref name=SFC-040601 /><ref name=SFC-040403 /><ref name=BRA-0412>{{cite news |url=http://www.bayrailalliance.org/newsletter/2004/2004-3dec_sot.pdf |title=Caltrain CTX and Baby Bullets boos Ridership 17% |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=December 2004 |newspaper=Staying on Track |publisher=BayRail Alliance |accessdate=26 March 2017}}</ref> During the initial design phase, overtakes were also announced for [[Millbrae, California|Millbrae]] and [[Redwood City, California|Redwood City]].<ref name=SFC-011119>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=FactSheet /> From north to south, the completed quad-track overtake sections are:<ref name=FactSheet />
# '''Brisbane''', approximately {{convert|2|mi}} between Candlestick Cove and Tunnel #4 (overlaps Bayshore Station)
# '''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,<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_detour.html |title=Caltrain Track Work to Require Detour in San Mateo |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=April 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |
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.<ref name=Cal-0211>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2002_16th_street.html |title=North CTX Construction to Shutdown 16th Street Near Tracks |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=November 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |
===Stops and scheduling===
Baby Bullet service launched in June 2004 with ten trains per weekday, which made only four intermediate stops between [[San Francisco 4th and King Street
{{
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.<ref name=Cal-050315>{{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=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=15 March 2005 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |
Riders to stations not served by Baby Bullet service complained their commute times increased because their trains slowed to allow Baby Bullets to overtake.<ref name=SFC-040707>{{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
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;font-size: 80%;"
Line 53 ⟶ 87:
|-
! scope="col" |Miles!!scope="col"|Zone!!scope="col" |Station
! scope="col"| Inaugural Service{{efn|Renamed to "Pattern A" on Aug 1, 2005, when "Pattern B" stops were added along with ten new Baby Bullet trains. "Pattern A" discontinued effective Apr 10, 2017.}}<br/>(June 7, 2004)<ref name=TT040605>{{cite web |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/pdf/timetable_effective_6_5_04.pdf |title=Timetables |date=5 June 2004 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=27 March 2017 |
! scope="col"| Pattern
!
!Pattern A4{{Efn|Modification of "Pattern A3" effective Sep 23, 2024; all trains stop at South San Francisco, San Mateo, Sunnyvale, and 22nd Street regardless of direction and time of day|name=E1}}<br />(Sep 21, 2024)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Caltrain September 2024 schedule |url=https://www.caltrain.com/media/33909}}</ref>
! scope="col" | Pattern B{{efn|"Pattern B" discontinued effective Oct 1, 2012.}}<br/>(Aug 1, 2005)<ref name=TT050801>{{cite web |url=http://www.caltrain.com:80/pdf/timetable_effective_6_5_04.pdf |title=Timetables |date=1 August 2005 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050826130936/http://www.caltrain.com/pdf/timetable_effective_8_1_05.pdf |archive-date=26 August 2005 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
! scope="col"| Pattern B2{{efn |name=B2 |Modification of "Pattern B" effective Oct 1, 2012; adds reverse commute stop at Palo Alto so all Baby Bullets stop at Palo Alto, regardless of direction or pattern}}<br />(Oct 1, 2012)<ref name=TT121001>{{cite web |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/schedules/Full-Timetable-Effective-October-1-2012.pdf |title=Timetables |date=1 October 2012 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522085052/http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/schedules/Full-Timetable-Effective-October-1-2012.pdf |archive-date=22 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
! scope="col"| Pattern B3{{efn |name=B3 |Modification of "Pattern B2" effective Apr 10, 2017; adds stop at Tamien in the mornings for reverse commute (southbound trains). Discontinued March 30, 2021, due to reduced ridership from the COVID-19 pandemic.}}<br />(Apr 10, 2017)<ref name=TT170410 />
! scope="col"| Weekend{{efn |name=W1 |Weekend Baby Bullet trains terminate & originate at Bayshore during tunnel notching work between October 2018 and late spring 2019. Bus bridge provides service to all stops north of Bayshore.<ref name=TT181006 /> Discontinued December 12, 2020, due to reduced ridership from the COVID-19 pandemic.}}<br/>(Jan 1, 2011)<ref name=TT110101>{{cite web |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/schedules/Full+Timetable.pdf |title=Timetables |date=1 January 2011 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304140956/http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/schedules/Full%2BTimetable.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- style="background: #ccc;"
!scope="row"|0.0
|style="font-size: 300%;" rowspan="5"|'''1'''|| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[San Francisco 4th and King Street
|Stop ||Stop
|Stop
|Stop||Stop ||Stop ||Stop
| style="background: #bbb;"|Stop{{efn |name=W1 }}
|- style="background: #ccc;"
!scope="row"|1.9
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[22nd Street station (Caltrain
| R{{efn |name=RC |Stop for reverse commute only (southbound trains during morning peak hours; northbound trains during afternoon peak hours).}} || R{{efn |name=RC}}
| |Stop|| R{{efn |name=RC}} || R{{efn |name=RC}} || R{{efn |name=RC}}
| style="background: #bbb;"|—{{efn |name=W1 }}
|- style="background: #ccc;"
!scope="row"|5.2
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[Bayshore station (Caltrain
| — || —
|—
|—|| — || — || —
| style="background: #bbb;"|—{{efn |name=W1 }}
|- style="background: #ccc;"
!scope="row"|9.3
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[
| — || —
|— |Stop|| — || — || — | style="background: #bbb;"|— |- style="background: #ccc;"
!scope="row"|11.6
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[San Bruno station (Caltrain
| — || —
|— |—|| — || — || — | style="background: #bbb;"|— |- style="background: #eee;"
!scope="row"|13.7
|style="font-size: 300%;" rowspan="9"|'''2'''
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[Millbrae
|Stop ||Stop
|Stop |Stop||Stop ||Stop ||Stop | style="background: #ddd;"|Stop |- style="background: #eee;"
!scope="row"|15.2
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[Broadway station (Caltrain
| — || —
|— |—|| — || — || — |style="background: #ddd;"| — |- style="background: #eee;"
!scope="row"|16.3
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[Burlingame
| — || —
|— |—|| — || — || — | style="background: #ddd;"|— |- style="background: #eee;"
!scope="row"|17.9
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[San Mateo
| — || —
|— |Stop|| T{{efn|name=Trad}} || T{{efn|name=Trad}} || T{{efn|name=Trad}} | style="background: #ddd;"|Stop |- style="background: #eee;"
!scope="row"|18.9
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[
| — || —
|— |—|| — || — || — | style="background: #ddd;"|— |- style="background: #eee;"
!scope="row"|20.3
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[Hillsdale station (Caltrain
|Stop || Stop
|Stop |Stop|| — || — || — | style="background: #ddd;"|Stop |- style="background: #eee;"
!scope="row"|21.9
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[Belmont station (Caltrain
| — || —
|— |—|| — || — || — | style="background: #ddd;"|— |- style="background: #eee;"
!scope="row"|23.2
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[San Carlos
| — || —
|— |—|| — || — || — | style="background: #ddd;"|— |- style="background: #eee;"
!scope="row"|25.4
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[Redwood City
| — ||
|Stop
|Stop|| Stop || Stop || Stop
| style="background: #ddd;"|Stop
|- style="background: #ccc;"
! scope="row" |
| style="font-size:
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[
| — || —
|—
|—|| R{{efn|name=RC}} || R{{efn|name=RC}} || R{{efn|name=RC}}
| style="background: #bbb;" |—
|- style="background: #ccc;"
! scope="row" |
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[
|Stop ||Stop
|Stop
|Stop|| T{{efn|name=Trad}} || Stop{{efn |name=B2}} || Stop
| style="background: #bbb;" |Stop
|- style="background: #ccc;"
! scope="row" |30.
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[
| — || —
|—
|—|| — || — || —
| style="background: #bbb;" |—
|- style="background: #ccc;"
! scope="row" |
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[
| — || —
|— |—|| — || — || T(PM) | style="background: #bbb;" |— |- style="background: #ccc;"
! scope="row" |
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[
| — || —
|— |—|| — || — || — | style="background: #bbb;" |— |- style="background: #ccc;"
! scope="row" |
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[
|Stop ||Stop
|Stop
|Stop|| R{{efn |name=RC}} || R{{efn |name=RC}} || R{{efn |name=RC}}
| style="background: #bbb;" |Stop
|- style="background: #ccc;"
! scope="row" |
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[
| — || —
|—
|Stop|| T{{efn |name=Trad}} || T{{efn |name=Trad}} || T{{efn |name=Trad}}
| style="
|- style="background: #eee;"
! scope="row" |40.8
| rowspan="5" style="font-size: 300%; background: #eee;"
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[Lawrence station (Caltrain
| — || —
|— |—|| — || — || — | style="background: #ddd;" |— |- style="background: #eee;"
! scope="row" |44.3
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[Santa Clara
| — || —
|— |—|| — || — || — | style="background: #ddd;" |— |- style="background: #eee;"
! scope="row" |45.7
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[
| — || —
|— |—|| — || — || — | style="background: #ddd;" |— |- style="background: #eee;"
! scope="row" |46.9
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[San Jose Diridon station|San Jose]]
|Stop ||Stop
|Stop |Stop||Stop ||Stop ||Stop | style="background: #ddd;" |Stop |- style="background: #eee;"
! scope="row" |48.9
| style="font-size: 80%;" |[[Tamien
| — || —
|—
|—|| T{{efn|name=Trad|Stop for traditional commute only (northbound trains during morning peak; southbound trains during afternoon peak).}} || T{{efn|name=Trad}} || T/R(AM){{efn |Traditional commute stop. Reverse commute stop for mornings only.}}
| style="background: #ddd;" |—
|-
| colspan="11" style="background: #fff;"
|-
! colspan="2" scope="col"
! !Pattern A4 Count!! scope="col" |Pattern B Count !! scope="col" |Pattern B2 Count !! scope="col" |Pattern B3 Count
! scope="col" |Weekend Count
|-
! colspan="2" scope="row"
| 10 || AM:5<br />PM:5 || —
| |—|| — || — || —
| —
|-
! colspan="2" scope="row"
| 12 || AM:6<br />PM:6 || —
| |—|| — || — || —
| —
|-
! colspan="2" scope="row"
| 22 || AM:5<br />PM:5 || —
|— |—|| AM:6<br />PM:6 || — || — | —
|-
! colspan="2" scope="row"
| 22 || AM:5<br />PM:5 || —
|— |—|| AM:6<br />PM:6 || — || — | AM:2<br />PM:2 |-
! colspan="2" scope="row"
| 22 || AM:5<br />PM:5 || —
|— |—|| — || AM:6<br />PM:6 || — | AM:2<br />PM:2 |-
! colspan="2" scope="row" |10 April 2017<ref name="TT170410" />
| 22 || — || AM:5<br />PM:5
|—
|—|| — || PM:6 || AM:6
| AM:2<br />PM:2
|-
! colspan="2" |30 August 2021<ref name=TT210830 />
|12
|—
|—
|AM: 6<br />PM: 6
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
! colspan="2" |21 September 2024<ref name=":0" />
|14
|—
|—
|—
|AM: 6<br />PM: 8
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| colspan="11" style="background: #fff;" |'''Notes'''<br />{{notelist|30em}}
|}
In 2005, Caltrain expanded Baby Bullet service by adding two trains per weekday in May,<ref>{{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=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2 May 2005 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |
[[File:Jackie Speier Caltrain.jpg|thumb|[[MotivePower|MPI]] locomotive JPBX#925 is named for [[Jackie Speier]].]]
In 2011, Caltrain added Baby Bullet service to weekend schedules.<ref name=TT110101 /><ref name=SFC-110101>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=SFC-110101 />
Caltrain
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.<ref name=TT181006>{{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}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=TT210830/>
Effective September 21, 2024 with the transition to [[Caltrain Modernization Program|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. <ref name=":0" /> 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.
===Rolling stock===
Caltrain purchased six
PCJPB purchased the seventeen Bombardier cars (ten coaches and seven cab cars) from [[Sound Transit]],<ref name=BRA-0305 /> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=BRA-0207 /><ref>{{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 }}</ref> Bombardier cars entered revenue service in October 2002.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref name=SFC-040608 />
As part of the [[Caltrain Modernization Program|2024 Caltrain electrification project]], [[Stadler KISS]] [[Electric multiple unit|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{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}}</ref>
==References==
{{
==External links==
* {{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 |
* {{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_baby_bullet_stops.html |title=Caltrain Announces Baby Bullet Stops
* {{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
* {{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_7_22_reinvention.html |title=Caltrain "Reinvention" Adds 10 Trains, Faster Trips
* {{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}}
| |||