Caltrain Express Program: Difference between revisions

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{{about|the "Baby Bullet" express train service offered by Caltrain|the racing aircraft built by Edward Bayard Heath|Heath Baby Bullet}}

[[File:Caltrain train 1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Northbound Baby Bullet in 2005]]

The '''Caltrain Express''' Project ('''CTX''') project was implemented from 2002 to 2004 and led to the establishment of commuter railroad [[Caltrain]]'s "Baby Bullet" express service, which shortened the transit time 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; [[Double-track railway#Quadruple track|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.

==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 |author= |date=1 October 1998 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=29 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20110807145542/http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_draft.pdf |archivedate=7 August 2011 |deadurl=no}}</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 [[Electrification of Caltrain|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|mi/hour|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&nbsp;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 |author= |date=1999 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=29 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20110807145429/http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_implementation_plan.pdf |archivedate=7 August 2011 |deadurl=no}}</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 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318013052/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_9_22_baby_bullet_service_and_founder_honored.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}</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 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=ftp://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}}</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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318182925/http://mtc.ca.gov/sites/default/files/RES-3434.pdf |archivedate=18 March 2016 |deadurl=no}}</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 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=July–August 2002 |newspaper=Staying on Track |publisher=BayRail Alliance |accessdate=26 March 2017}}</ref> 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]].<ref name=BRA-0207 /> At the time, it was the largest capital improvement program for Caltrain.<ref name=BRA-0207 />

[[File:MPI MP36PH-3C locomotives of Caltrain at night.jpg|thumb|right|250px|JPBX #927 and 928, the last two (of six) locomotives acquired for CTX, in San Francisco (2016)]]

[[File:MPI MP36PH-3C locomotives of Caltrain at night.jpg|thumb|right|250px|JPBX #927 and 928, the last two (of six) locomotives acquired for CTX, in San Francisco (2016)]]

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 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20021012131611/http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_weekend_trains.html |archivedate=15 October 2002 |deadurl=yes}}</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 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318013515/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_5_11_baby_bullet_weekend_service.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}</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 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318013455/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_6_1_fun_and_free_rides.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}</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 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20021015035739/http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_weekend_shutdown.html |archivedate=15 October 2002 |deadurl=yes}}</ref>

Line 24 ⟶ 26:

==Design==

[[File:Bayshore Station 3227 15.JPG|thumb|right|250px|North overtake quad-track section just south of Tunnel #4, north of the [[Bayshore (Caltrain station)|Bayshore]] platform]]

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 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20020809022350/http://caltrain.com/info_projects_CTXfacts.html |archivedate=9 August 2002 |deadurl=yes}}</ref> The North CTX contract was awarded in April 2002 to the joint venture partnership of Herzog Contracting Corporation and [[Stacy and 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 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20021015041248/http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_CTX_contract.html |archivedate=15 October 2002 |deadurl=yes}}</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 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318015350/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_south_ctx.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}</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 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318015120/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_construction_continues.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}</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 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20021015035823/http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_media_advisory.html |archivedate=15 October 2002 |deadurl=yes}}</ref>

Line 30 ⟶ 33:

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 (San Francisco)|Third Street]]. The new [[T Third Street]] line, which opened in 2007, terminates at [[Sunnydale Station]] as Muni Metro has never built 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 />

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.<ref name=Cal-0301 /> Work at Lawrence was anticipated to be completed by the end of 2003,<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_rain_delay.html |title=Rain Delays Planned Caltrain Lawrence Station Move |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=April 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318015159/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_rain_delay.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}</ref> and the rebuilt Lawrence was opened in March 2004.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_2_26_lawrence_caltrain_station.html |title=New Lawrence Caltrain Station Set to Open |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=26 February 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318013004/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_2_26_lawrence_caltrain_station.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}</ref>

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 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20021015041020/http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_north_ctx.html |archivedate=15 October 2002 |deadurl=yes}}</ref> Millbrae station updates were scheduled to complete with the opening of the new intermodal station in January 2003.<ref name=Cal-0209 />

===Track upgrades (overtakes, crossovers, and traffic control)===

[[File:Sunnyvale four tracks (33608468046).jpg|thumb|right|250pxupright|South overtake quad-track section south of [[Sunnyvale (Caltrain station)|Sunnyvale]]]]

CTX added quad-track overtake sections near the cities of Brisbane and 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 and 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)

Line 201 ⟶ 205:

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 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318015753/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_5_2_media_advisory.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}</ref> 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 (Caltrain station)|San Mateo]], [[Redwood City Sequoia Station|Redwood City]], [[Menlo Park (Caltrain station)|Menlo Park]], [[Sunnyvale (Caltrain station)|Sunnyvale]], and Tamien.<ref name=SFC-050801>{{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}}</ref> With this expansion, though, weekday service to the holdout-rule stations at Broadway and Atherton was dropped<ref name=SFC-050801 /> 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.<ref name=SFC-050802>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Jackie Speier Caltrain.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Wabtec Corporation|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 />

Line 207 ⟶ 212:

===Rolling stock===

Caltrain purchased six [[Wabtec Corporation|MPI]] [[MPI MPXpress#MP36PH-3C|MP36PH-3C]] locomotives and seventeen [[Bombardier BiLevel Coach]]es 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.<ref name=Cal-040511 /><ref name=Fleets>{{cite web |url=http://www.caltrain.com/about/statsandreports/commutefleets.html |title=Commute Fleets |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2017 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=25 March 2017}}</ref> The prime mover in the MP36PH-3C is an [[EMD 645|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;<ref name=BRA-0305 /><ref name=Cal-0304 /> Caltrain was the lead customer for the MP36PH-3C.<ref name=Fleets /> 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.<ref name=BRA-0305>{{cite news |url=http://www.bayrailalliance.org/newsletter/2003/2003-2may_sot.pdf |title=Caltrain unveils the Baby Bullet locomotive |authorlast=Shelton, |first=Bruce |date=May 2003 |newspaper=Staying on Track |publisher=BayRail Alliance |accessdate=26 March 2017}}</ref> The event ended in a round-trip excursion to Redwood City.<ref name=Cal-0304>{{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_new_baby.html |title=The Stork Delivers Caltrain's New Baby |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=April 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318015652/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_new_baby.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |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 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=June 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20021015042930/http://www.caltrain.com:80/news_ctx_event.html |archivedate=15 October 2002 |deadurl=yes}}</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 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=October 2002 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318014212/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2002_baby_bullet_cars.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}</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 />

==References==

{{reflistReflist|30em}}

==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 |authorlast=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 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=September 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318015424/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_baby_bullet_stops.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}

* {{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 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2 June 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318012851/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_6_2_media_advisory_baby_bullet_service.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}

* {{cite press release |url=http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_7_22_reinvention.html |title=Caltrain "Reinvention" Adds 10 Trains, Faster Trips |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=22 July 2005 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20060318020301/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_7_22_reinvention.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes}}

* {{cite journal |doi=10.3141/1677-04 |title=Caltrain Rapid Rail Plan |authorlast=Nash, |first=Andrew |journal=Transportation Research Record |volume=1677}}

* {{cite report |url=http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_draft.pdf |title=Draft Caltrain Rapid Rail Study |author= |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 |author= |date=1999 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=29 March 2017}}

{{Caltrain}}