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==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.archive.org/web/20110807145542/http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_draft.pdf |archivedate=7 August 2011 |deadurl=no |dfurl-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 [[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|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&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 |date=1999 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=29 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807145429/http://bayrailalliance.org/files/library/Caltrain_RRP_implementation_plan.pdf |archivedate=7 August 2011 |deadurl=no |dfurl-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 |archiveurl=https://web.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 |dfurl-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=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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328020350/http://archives.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=2222 |archive-date=28 March 2017 |dead-url-status=yesdead }}</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 |deadurlurl-status=nolive}}</ref>
 
===Construction===
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[[File:MPI MP36PH-3C locomotives of Caltrain at night.jpg|thumb|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.archive.org/web/20021012131611/http://www.caltrain.com/news_weekend_trains.html |archivedate=12 October 2002 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013515/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_5_11_baby_bullet_weekend_service.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013455/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_6_1_fun_and_free_rides.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021015035739/http://www.caltrain.com/news_weekend_shutdown.html |archivedate=15 October 2002 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013313/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_4_14_santa_clara_station_celebration.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</ref> 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,<ref name=SFC-040514 /><ref name=Cal-0405>{{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=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=10 May 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013114/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_5_10_weekend_test_trains.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref name=SFC-040608 /> The first southbound Baby Bullet left San Francisco with 420 passengers at 7:20 a.m.<ref name=SFC-040608 /> Baby Bullet trains often ran at standing room capacity during the first year.<ref name=SFC-050801 />
 
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|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.<ref name=SFC-050630 />
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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 a "Tranny" 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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831140440/http://www.dot.ca.gov/research/planning/docs/Rail_CAEconomy_Book_Report.pdf |archivedate=31 August 2017 |deadurlurl-status=nolive}}</ref>
 
==Design==
[[File:Bayshore Station 3227 15.JPG|thumb|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.archive.org/web/20020809022350/http://caltrain.com/info_projects_CTXfacts.html |archivedate=9 August 2002 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</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.archive.org/web/20021015041248/http://www.caltrain.com/news_CTX_contract.html |archivedate=15 October 2002 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015350/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_south_ctx.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015120/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_construction_continues.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021015035823/http://www.caltrain.com/news_media_advisory.html |archivedate=15 October 2002 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</ref>
 
===Station rebuilds===
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 |date=April 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015159/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_rain_delay.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</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 |date=26 February 2004 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013004/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_2_26_lawrence_caltrain_station.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</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.archive.org/web/20021015041020/http://www.caltrain.com/news_north_ctx.html |archivedate=15 October 2002 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</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)===
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# '''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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015044/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_detour.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=Cal-0308>{{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=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=August 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015343/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_ctx_construction_project.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref name=Almanac /><ref name=Cal-0208 /><ref name=Cal-0303 /><ref name=Cal-0308 /> Prior to CTX, trains typically had to stop and de-board operators and conductors, who would throw switches by hand.<ref name=Cal-0405 /> 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.<ref name=Cal-0308 />
 
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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318013721/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2002_16th_street.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</ref> Full-speed testing of track upgrades occurred over two weekends in May 2004, just before the Baby Bullet service started in June.<ref name=SFC-040514>{{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}}</ref> Crews and central control practiced overtaking slower trains and routing around delays induced by disabled trains.<ref name=SFC-040514 /><ref name=Cal-0405 />
 
===Stops and scheduling===
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{{quote |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<ref name=SFC-040608 />}}
 
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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015702/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_3_15_transforming_caltrain.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</ref> 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 (Caltrain station)|Bayshore]], [[South San Francisco (Caltrain station)|South San Francisco]], [[Broadway (Caltrain station)|Broadway]], [[Hayward Park (Caltrain station)|Hayward Park]], [[Atherton station|Atherton]], and [[Tamien Station|Tamien]].<ref name=SFC-040514 />
 
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 – fast track (if you can catch it) |author=Ringham, Arthur |date=7 July 2004 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=25 March 2017}}</ref> Clem Tillier noted ridership at stations not served by Baby Bullets continued to be depressed in the years following CTX implementation,<ref>{{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}}</ref> and that elimination of Baby Bullet service under a planned 76-train schedule actually improved service quality.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{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}}</ref> later refining the proposal to 76 trains per weekday and eliminating Baby Bullet service.<ref>{{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}}</ref> However, one-time funds were diverted from other sources and no service cuts were made in 2011.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
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|-
! 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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040920122123/http://www.caltrain.com/pdf/timetable_effective_6_5_04.pdf |archivedate=20 September 2004 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</ref>
! scope="col"| Pattern A2{{efn |name=A2 |Modification of "Pattern A" effective Apr 10, 2017; adds reverse commute stop at Redwood City to accommodate planned PCEP work}}<br/>(Apr 10, 2017)<ref name=TT170410>{{cite web |url=http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/Assets/Schedules/Full-Timetable_04102017.pdf |title=Northbound Timetables |date=10 April 2017 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=4 April 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505212510/http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/Assets/Schedules/Full-Timetable_04102017.pdf |archivedate=5 May 2017 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead}}</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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050826130936/http://www.caltrain.com/pdf/timetable_effective_8_1_05.pdf |archivedate=26 August 2005 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522085052/http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/schedules/Full-Timetable-Effective-October-1-2012.pdf |archivedate=22 May 2013 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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)}}<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 />}}<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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304140956/http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/schedules/Full%2BTimetable.pdf |archivedate=4 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</ref>
|- style="background: #ccc;"
!scope="row"|0.0
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| —
|-
! scope="row" colspan=2|{{date|2005-05-02}}<ref name=TT050502>{{cite web |url=http://www.caltrain.com/pdf/timetable_effective_5_2_05.pdf |title=Timetables |date=2 May 2005 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=27 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050524124739/http://www.caltrain.com/pdf/timetable_effective_5_2_05.pdf |archivedate=24 May 2005 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</ref>
| 12 || AM:6<br/>PM:6 || — || — || — || —
| —
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|}
 
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.archive.org/web/20060318015753/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_5_2_media_advisory.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</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 /> the sparse weekday service to {{cals|Paul Avenue}} was suspended entirely,<ref name=PCJPB-050523>{{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 |author= |date=23 May 2005 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050526034241/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_5_23_broadway_and_atherton.html |archivedate=2005-05-26 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |accessdate=4 June 2018 |df= }}</ref> 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|[[MotivePower|MPI]] locomotive JPBX#925 is named for [[Jackie Speier]].]]
Line 251:
 
===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 |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 |last=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 |date=April 2003 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=26 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015652/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_new_baby.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}</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 |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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021015042930/http://www.caltrain.com/news_ctx_event.html |archivedate=15 October 2002 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318014212/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2002_baby_bullet_cars.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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 />
 
==References==
Line 260:
==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 |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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318015424/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2003_baby_bullet_stops.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318012851/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2004_6_2_media_advisory_baby_bullet_service.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318020301/http://www.caltrain.com/news_2005_7_22_reinvention.html |archivedate=18 March 2006 |deadurl=yes |dfurl-status=dead }}
* {{cite journal |doi=10.3141/1677-04 |title=Caltrain Rapid Rail Plan |last=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 |date=1 October 1998 |publisher=Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board |accessdate=29 March 2017}}