Caltrain is seeking public input
– but not getting much of it – on converting its trains to run
by the volt rather than by the gallon of diesel fuel.
Caltrain is seeking public input – but not getting much of it – on converting its trains to run by the volt rather than by the gallon of diesel fuel.
Only several people attended a public meeting in Morgan Hill Wednesday evening on the matter, Caltrain spokeswoman Janet McGovern said. An earlier meeting in San Francisco attracted about a dozen people, she said, while one in Sunnyvale brought in about two dozen. Attendance was not available for Saturday’s meeting in San Carlos.
People also can submit comments by mail or e-mail, but few have so far, McGovern said. The deadline for public comment is May 25.
An electrically powered train line would provide a cleaner, quieter ride between Gilroy and San Francisco, according to a draft environmental impact report Caltrain is asking the public to review.
“The primary benefits are environmental,” McGovern said. “One of the primary benefits is the impact on regional air quality in replacing diesel with electricity. There would be an 87 to 94 percent reduction in the total pollutant burden versus diesel.”
The draft EIR named other benefits as well, such as noise reduction and a more modern image that “addresses Caltrain riders’ vision.”
McGovern added that an electric train would have slightly faster acceleration and deceleration, saving riders 2 to 15 minutes, depending on length of trip.
The Caltrain board will decide late this year whether to go forward with the electrification project, McGovern said.
