As the Mayor of Morgan Hill and the VTA Board member representing South County, I would like to thank Councilmember Hilton for his thoughtful letter regarding the future of Caltrain service in South County. I appreciate his long-standing commitment to improving transportation options for our communities and his diligence in tracking ridership data and advocating for fiscally responsible transit investments.
I agree that it is essential we have a comprehensive and collaborative conversation about the future of train and transportation services in South County. However, before making any decisions to eliminate all four Caltrain stops serving Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Gilroy, I believe it is critical that we carefully consider all available options and the broader implications of such a move.
While increasing bus service may appear to be a more cost-effective solution, we must recognize that simply replacing train service with buses may not adequately address the diverse transportation needs of our residents. Train service offers unique benefits—such as comfort, reliability, and regional connectivity—that cannot be fully replicated by bus transit alone. Eliminating train service altogether could result in significant inequities for South County residents, particularly those who rely on Caltrain for their daily commute.
Moreover, the ridership numbers cited in his letter are important, but I believe they warrant further review to ensure accuracy and context. A deeper analysis, including input from VTA staff, Caltrain representatives, elected officials, and community members—both riders and non-riders—should inform any decisions about service changes. We must also acknowledge that increasing ridership requires sustained investment in outreach, infrastructure, and service reliability, which has not been consistently prioritized in South County.
The idea of double tracking or purchasing the existing tracks is certainly worth exploring, but as he noted, such efforts would require significant time, coordination, and funding. Prematurely pausing or eliminating train service could jeopardize future opportunities for expansion and long-term improvements.
Should train service be discontinued, I would respectfully propose that South County residents receive a proportional tax rebate, given that they would be contributing to transportation funding without access to the services it supports. Alternatively, the $15 million currently allocated could be redirected toward more localized and targeted transportation solutions that better serve our communities. Morgan Hill successfully ran a last mile transit service (MoGo) at reasonable costs that could be combined with enhanced regional transit service to support the community.
Ultimately, I believe that a decision of this magnitude should not be made in isolation or haste. It requires a transparent, inclusive process that weighs fiscal realities against long-term regional equity and mobility goals. I look forward to engaging in this important dialogue with you and all stakeholders to ensure that South County’s transportation future is shaped by thoughtful planning and shared vision.
Mark Turner
Morgan Hill Mayor
Thank you for your support, Mayor Turner. As a Morgan Hill resident who works as a public school teacher on the Peninsula, I rely on this vital Caltrain service every weekday.
I am one of many people that have moved my family to South County over the last 5+ years basing much of the decision on Caltrain accessibility for work every day. I personally drive from Hollister to pick up the train in Gilroy, and I know others from Salinas, even Marina and Seaside. Bus routes instead of a train mean 4-6 hour daily commutes for people like me and it’s absolutely impossible. If Gilroy is going to position itself as a hub for transit, or if California is going to be serious about the promise of greater high speed transit solutions, then ending this critical portion of the Caltrain line makes zero sense. San Benito County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state and if Caltrain from Gilroy stopped it would essentially cut off the current and all future families that will need effective commuting options to work and schooling. More cars and buses on the road is not the answer.
Thank you for your support in exploring other options and being a voice for those that need these services.
GILROY CALTRAIN RIDER
My husband and I use Caltrain for personal reasons. We ride the train to San Francisco to go to UCSF Mission Bay Cancer Center. The availability of the train was a deciding factor for us when choosing treatment at UCSF for my husband in 2021. It has been reliable, consistent and a relaxing way to get to San Francisco. The idea to pause the train is a horrible idea and I also believe putting more buses on the road is not a substitute for the train.
Many people make decisions about their future for their families based on reliable transportation options. To take those reliable options away would take away transportation security for those families.
Thank you for being a voice for the Caltrain riders who depend upon this transportation option.