Caltrain is undertaking an equity assessment to understand how to improve equity within the transit system as ridership grows. Feedback from stakeholders highlighted areas like improving off-peak and weekend service, providing more affordable fares for low-income riders, developing affordable housing near stations, and enhancing bike/pedestrian access and connecting bus services. An analysis found Caltrain ridership does not proportionally represent the diverse demographic groups within the corridor that parallel transit serves better through more frequent all-day service. Caltrain will explore scheduling changes, cost structures, and access/connectivity to increase ridership among marginalized communities.
Houston METRO System Reimagining PresentationGeoff Carleton
Overview of the Draft System Reimagining Plan for Houston METRO. The plan utilizes existing resources to better serve the growing METRO region by providing simpler, more frequent, 7-days a week service connecting more people to more places with faster trips.
Making the Most of Long-Range Models for Automated and Connected Vehicle Planning poster was presented at the 95th Annual Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting in January 2016.
Automated/Connected Vehicle technology (AV/CV) is expected to have significant impacts on travel behavior. The
potential transformative nature of these technologies to alter
or influence future travel behavior and demand is quite significant.
Estimating Ridership of Rural Demand-Response Transit Services for the Genera...UGPTI
SURTC researcher Jeremy Mattson presented results from a study that developed a model for estimating ridership for rural demand-response transit services for the general public. The presentation discussed previous demand models in the literature, factors affecting ridership, the study methods, data availability, model results, and model applicability. The study provides new tools for estimating ridership for rural transit.
Houston METRO System Reimagining PresentationGeoff Carleton
Overview of the Draft System Reimagining Plan for Houston METRO. The plan utilizes existing resources to better serve the growing METRO region by providing simpler, more frequent, 7-days a week service connecting more people to more places with faster trips.
Making the Most of Long-Range Models for Automated and Connected Vehicle Planning poster was presented at the 95th Annual Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting in January 2016.
Automated/Connected Vehicle technology (AV/CV) is expected to have significant impacts on travel behavior. The
potential transformative nature of these technologies to alter
or influence future travel behavior and demand is quite significant.
Estimating Ridership of Rural Demand-Response Transit Services for the Genera...UGPTI
SURTC researcher Jeremy Mattson presented results from a study that developed a model for estimating ridership for rural demand-response transit services for the general public. The presentation discussed previous demand models in the literature, factors affecting ridership, the study methods, data availability, model results, and model applicability. The study provides new tools for estimating ridership for rural transit.
RV 2015: Learn, Ask and Do: The Corridor Game Take 2 by James HenckeRail~Volution
Learn about corridor planning across the country. Ask questions. Then build your own corridor! Hear how planners struggle to accommodate multiple transportation modes (bus, BRT, light rail, auto, freight, bike, pedestrian) within a limited right of way. Review case studies from San Francisco, San Antonio and Portland. Study the tradeoffs inherent in different cross-section treatments and strategies for prioritizing design to respond to planning goals and land use context. Then put everything you've learned to work as you design your own multimodal corridors to solve for different planning problems. Easier said than done, but an active and humbling learning experience.
Moderator: James Hencke, ASLA, LEED AP, Senior Landscape Architect, David Evans and Associates, Inc, Portland, Oregon
Elizabeth Mros-O'Hara, AICP, Investment Areas Project Manager, Regional Principal Planner, Metro, Portland, Oregon
Kelly Betteridge, Planning Manager, TriMet, Portland, Oregon
Aaron Carter, Manager, ICF International, San Francisco, California
Arturo Herrera, Senior Service Planner, VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority, San Antonio, Texas
The possibility to redesign 255 bus route in order reduce dead journeyRafhan Rifan
255 Bus Route is one of the famous bus routes in Sri Lanka, connecting Mt. Lavinia and Kottawa. We identified that there is an issue with revenue earning legs of the journey. This research identified possible re-route options for the route 255.
A Project submitted under the module Survey Methods and Techniques, Department of Transport and Logistics Management, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Slason Transition to Net Zero Energy in Burlington Vermont January 2019Jonathan Slason
Presentation outlining two main paths to reducing energy and GHG associated with transportation - Reduced energy per trip (no travel, shorter travel, more efficient travel) and Electrification
Montana Electric Vehicle Deployment Strategies by Kyla MakiForth
Kyla Maki, Energy Resource Professional at Montana Department of Environmental Quality gave this presentation at the Forth State Transportation Electrification Strategy Best Practices webinar on March 14, 2023.
Webinar Replay - Sharing the Big Picture on Transit in Metro AtlantaBrian Carr
There are many transit operators in the metro Atlanta region, with service into and out of more places than you may realize. In addition, there are resources for last-mile connectivity, discounted fares, pre-tax benefits and support that make transit options more practical for more workplaces ... even those outside the city center. This webinar features representatives from many of the different regional and county providers, discussing how their their service area contributes to the total network and new developments they are working on. Plus, details on the "Dump the Pump" event taking place June 17-21 in the Atlanta region, as well as how the Commuter Choice program can leverage payroll tax savings.
Title: Transportation Studies in the 21st Century: Incorporating all Modes
Track: Sustain
Format: 90 minute panel
Abstract: In the 21st century, the basic purpose of transportation studies needs to change from making it easier to drive to giving people options other than driving. This session will present case studies of alternatives to the auto-dominated Level of Service traffic impact studies in order to better address bicycling, transit and walking.
Presenters:
Presenter: Michelle DeRobertis Transportation Choices for Sustainable Communities
Co-Presenter: Peter Albert San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
Co-Presenter: Patrick Lynch Transpo Group
Co-Presenter: David Thompson City of Boulder, Colorado
Sharing the Road, Sharing the Bike by Jennifer McGrathRail~Volution
Has bike share come up in planning as a solution to your first- and last-mile gaps? As a mode of transportation? Or just the latest thing? Hear what it takes to be bike-share ready and learn from two of the nation's more successful programs. Lessons learned? Nuances of multijurisdictional programs? Bike share as part of a larger transportation network? Ready or not? Find the answers here!
Moderator: Laura Cornejo, Director, Transit Corridors & Active Transportation, Metro, Los Angeles, California
Cara Ferrentio, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Matt Benjamin, Principal, Fehr and Peers, Los Angeles, California
Jennifer McGrath, Strategic Planner III, Utah Transit Authority, Salt Lake City, Utah
Caltrain ridership has more than doubled in the last decade. What are the drivers of this trend, what can be done to keep up with needs including grade separations
How to Design an On-Demand Transit ServiceGurjap Birring
There have been hundreds of on-demand transit projects deployed around the world, but are transit agencies designing them for success? Pantonium’s team will discuss various approaches to designing an on-demand transit service based on our experiences deploying projects around North America and our observations from other similar projects.
RV 2015: Learn, Ask and Do: The Corridor Game Take 2 by James HenckeRail~Volution
Learn about corridor planning across the country. Ask questions. Then build your own corridor! Hear how planners struggle to accommodate multiple transportation modes (bus, BRT, light rail, auto, freight, bike, pedestrian) within a limited right of way. Review case studies from San Francisco, San Antonio and Portland. Study the tradeoffs inherent in different cross-section treatments and strategies for prioritizing design to respond to planning goals and land use context. Then put everything you've learned to work as you design your own multimodal corridors to solve for different planning problems. Easier said than done, but an active and humbling learning experience.
Moderator: James Hencke, ASLA, LEED AP, Senior Landscape Architect, David Evans and Associates, Inc, Portland, Oregon
Elizabeth Mros-O'Hara, AICP, Investment Areas Project Manager, Regional Principal Planner, Metro, Portland, Oregon
Kelly Betteridge, Planning Manager, TriMet, Portland, Oregon
Aaron Carter, Manager, ICF International, San Francisco, California
Arturo Herrera, Senior Service Planner, VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority, San Antonio, Texas
The possibility to redesign 255 bus route in order reduce dead journeyRafhan Rifan
255 Bus Route is one of the famous bus routes in Sri Lanka, connecting Mt. Lavinia and Kottawa. We identified that there is an issue with revenue earning legs of the journey. This research identified possible re-route options for the route 255.
A Project submitted under the module Survey Methods and Techniques, Department of Transport and Logistics Management, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Slason Transition to Net Zero Energy in Burlington Vermont January 2019Jonathan Slason
Presentation outlining two main paths to reducing energy and GHG associated with transportation - Reduced energy per trip (no travel, shorter travel, more efficient travel) and Electrification
Montana Electric Vehicle Deployment Strategies by Kyla MakiForth
Kyla Maki, Energy Resource Professional at Montana Department of Environmental Quality gave this presentation at the Forth State Transportation Electrification Strategy Best Practices webinar on March 14, 2023.
Webinar Replay - Sharing the Big Picture on Transit in Metro AtlantaBrian Carr
There are many transit operators in the metro Atlanta region, with service into and out of more places than you may realize. In addition, there are resources for last-mile connectivity, discounted fares, pre-tax benefits and support that make transit options more practical for more workplaces ... even those outside the city center. This webinar features representatives from many of the different regional and county providers, discussing how their their service area contributes to the total network and new developments they are working on. Plus, details on the "Dump the Pump" event taking place June 17-21 in the Atlanta region, as well as how the Commuter Choice program can leverage payroll tax savings.
Title: Transportation Studies in the 21st Century: Incorporating all Modes
Track: Sustain
Format: 90 minute panel
Abstract: In the 21st century, the basic purpose of transportation studies needs to change from making it easier to drive to giving people options other than driving. This session will present case studies of alternatives to the auto-dominated Level of Service traffic impact studies in order to better address bicycling, transit and walking.
Presenters:
Presenter: Michelle DeRobertis Transportation Choices for Sustainable Communities
Co-Presenter: Peter Albert San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
Co-Presenter: Patrick Lynch Transpo Group
Co-Presenter: David Thompson City of Boulder, Colorado
Sharing the Road, Sharing the Bike by Jennifer McGrathRail~Volution
Has bike share come up in planning as a solution to your first- and last-mile gaps? As a mode of transportation? Or just the latest thing? Hear what it takes to be bike-share ready and learn from two of the nation's more successful programs. Lessons learned? Nuances of multijurisdictional programs? Bike share as part of a larger transportation network? Ready or not? Find the answers here!
Moderator: Laura Cornejo, Director, Transit Corridors & Active Transportation, Metro, Los Angeles, California
Cara Ferrentio, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Matt Benjamin, Principal, Fehr and Peers, Los Angeles, California
Jennifer McGrath, Strategic Planner III, Utah Transit Authority, Salt Lake City, Utah
Caltrain ridership has more than doubled in the last decade. What are the drivers of this trend, what can be done to keep up with needs including grade separations
How to Design an On-Demand Transit ServiceGurjap Birring
There have been hundreds of on-demand transit projects deployed around the world, but are transit agencies designing them for success? Pantonium’s team will discuss various approaches to designing an on-demand transit service based on our experiences deploying projects around North America and our observations from other similar projects.
Southeast San Francisco New Caltrain StationsAdina Levin
Slides from a presentation on November 8, 2021 for Friends of Caltrain, Streets for People, on accessibility improvements and new station locations in Southeast SF
San Francisco Board of Supervisors Caltrain Governance ResolutionAdina Levin
San Francisco Board of Supervisors passes a resolution calling for a review of Caltrain Governance in the context of the Business Plan and Funding Measure
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
1. Why Focus on
Equity?
Caltrain is Focusing on Equity for Multiple
Reasons
1
Caltrain has undertaken an equity
assessment to help us understand how we
can improve equity within our system- both in
the near term and as our Long Range Service
Vision is implemented over time.
The assessment has involved reviews of
community based plans within the Caltrain
corridor, interviews with community
organizations and stakeholders and analysis
of demographic data
• Stakeholder and Policy maker feedback through
the Business Plan and other Caltrain
undertakings have made it clear that equity is an
important priority for the system
• Caltrain is planning to grow. Our Long Range
Service Vision calls for tripling the system’s
ridership. To do this, we want our service to be
an accessible, useful and attractive choice for all
members of our community
• Caltrain will need public investment to achieve
its vision. Focusing on equity helps ensure that
we deliver benefits and value to all members of
the public
2. 2
Feedback From
Stakeholders
Open Stations In Communities Of Concern
The Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco would like to see the
Oakdale station built to replace the Paul Ave station closed in
1999. North Fair Oaks would like to see a local station on either
the Caltrain or Dumbarton rail corridor.
Better Service For Nontraditional Work
Schedules And Non-work Trips
Currently, Caltrain is focused on traditional commute hours, whereas
low-income and vulnerable populations are more likely to have
commutes that fall outside of these times.
Recommendations
• More mid-day, late evening, and early morning service
• Connecting services during non-typical commute times need to be
coordinated
More Frequent Service
Upgraded service would offer more flexibility
and choice to access the corridor and better
connections to partner transit, making travel
easier for those who need it
Service & Stations
2
3. 3
Better Connecting Bus Service
Currently, existing and potential Caltrain riders are poorly served by
connecting bus services in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties
Recommendations
• Better scheduling coordination with SamTrans and VTA to
reduce the number of bus connections that result in long waits
or insufficient (<5 minutes) transfer times
• More frequent connecting bus services to Caltrain stations
Better Bike & Pedestrian Connections
Biking and walking are low-cost modes that, if enhanced,
could expand access to Caltrain services.
Recommendations
• Better bike facilities such as lockers and racks at
stations
• Build separated grade crossings at tracks
• Facilitate and encourage bike sharing at stations
Feedback From
Stakeholders
Access & Connections
3
4. 4
More Affordable Housing Near Stations
Housing along the Peninsula is becoming increasingly expensive and inaccessible to low-
income and transit-dependent households.
Recommendation
• Partner with jurisdictions along the corridor to prioritize developing affordable housing and
implement anti-displacement or local preference policies near stations
Discounted Fares For Low-income Riders
Currently, Caltrain does not offer discounts for low- income
riders and has a significantly lower share of low-income riders
compared with other agencies along the corridor (Muni, VTA,
and SamTrans)
Recommendations
• Offer a reduced fare or subsidy program for low-income
riders
• Revisit the zone fare structure to make sure that it is not
disincentivizing the use of any connecting bus service
Feedback From
Stakeholders
Fares & TOD
4
5. 5
Better Rider Information
The fragmented nature of public transit service in the Bay Area
makes it difficult for riders, especially those from marginalized
and limited English-proficient backgrounds, to navigate myriad
systems and agencies
Recommendations
• Area-based maps and schedules that show services from all
agencies, ideally in multiple languages
• Conduct outreach to teach people how to ride, perhaps with
“captive audiences” such as ESL or citizenship classes
• Better utilize social media to advertise Caltrain service and
connect with potential riders, especially youth
Accessible Station Design
Some Caltrain stations are poorly lit, provide limited access to ADA
riders, and feel uninviting to riders
Recommendations
• Provide amenities at stations that improve rider experience, such
as more lighting, shelter from the elements, and seating
• Implement level boarding at all stations
Feedback From
Stakeholders
System Accessibility
5
6. The Corridor is
Diverse
6
Within a two-mile station area:
20% of households are located within an
MTC-designated Community of Concern
29% of households are low income
(annual income less than $50,000)
63% of residents identify as a person of color
7. Caltrain Rider
Income does not
Match that of
Corridor Residents
Very-low, low, and middle-income
brackets are underrepresented in
Caltrain ridership relative to the
surrounding corridor
Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey 2017. 2019 Triennial Caltrain Survey
4%
15%6%
14%
17%
22%
74%
49%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Riders 2-Mile Station Area Residents
<$25K $25K-50K $50K-$100K >$100K
7
8. Caltrain Rider
Race/Ethnicity
does not Match
that of Corridor
Residents
White and Asian neighbors are
overrepresented in Caltrain ridership and
Latinx neighbors are significantly
underrepresented relative to the
surrounding corridor
Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey 2017, 2019 Triennial Caltrain Survey
3% 3%
9%
27%
36%
28%
42%
37%
10%
5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Riders 2-Mile Station Area Residents
Black Hispanic/Latinx Asian White Mixed/Other
8
9. BUT…Caltrain
Rider Income Does
Match Income of
Commuters within
2 Miles of the
Corridor
Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey 2017. 2019 Triennial Caltrain Survey, Census Transportation
Planning Products (CTPP). *Analysis excludes trips that start and end in the same city.
4% 3%
6% 7%
17%
21%
74%
69%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Riders 2-Mile Station Area Commuters
<$25K $25K-50K $50K-$100K >$100K
9
Any work trip that has the work, home, or both
trip-ends within 2-miles of a Caltrain station is
considered a “corridor commute trip”
Trips that start and end in the same city are
excluded
10. And Low Income Commuters Have Similar Corridor
Travel Patterns as Other Income Brackets
Source: Census Transportation Planning Products (CTPP).
*Analysis excludes trips that start and end in the same city.
Home-based work trips with at least one end within 2-miles of a station
37%
41%
39%
40%
40%
25%
21%
21%
18%
19%
38%
37%
40%
42%
41%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
< $25k
$25k-$50k
$50k-$100k
$100K+
total
Both live and work along the corridor
Live along the corridor, but work elsewhere
Work along the corridor, but live elsewhere
10
11. What Policy Considerations or Areas that
Caltrain Could Explore to Increase Equity?
11
Access &
Connectivity
Schedule &
Frequency
Cost &
Fare Structure
Three Initial Areas of Focus
12. • Caltrain service is concentrated in the
peaks with very little service during the
early morning, midday, and evening
hours
• There is significant off-peak travel
demand in the corridor
• Parallel transit service runs consistent
headways through the peak and midday
hours and operates 24/7
• As a result, off-peak demand is largely
served by parallel transit service
Schedule &
Frequency
12
13. Off-Peak & Weekend Service
-
4,000
8,000
12,000
16,000
20,000
24,000
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
US-101 Caltrain BART
PeopleperHourin/outofSanFrancisco(publictransit)
PeopleperHourin/outofSanFrancisco(US-101)
Time
Schedule &
Frequency
Travel demand is strong all day
in the Caltrain corridor- but
Caltrain’s peak-hour focused
service does not capture the full
market
14. • 8, 8AX, 8BX
• 9, 9R
• T-Third Light Rail
• ECR, ECR Rapid
• 292
• 398
• 397 (OWL)
• 22
• 66
• 68
• 102
• 103
• 121
• 122
• 168
• 182
• 185
• 304
• 522
Parallel Transit
Service
Several alternative transit lines run
parallel to the Caltrain corridor. Although
service is geographically similar to
portions of the Caltrain route, ridership
on these routes looks very different than
on Caltrain.
14
Schedule &
Frequency
15. Parallel Routes Proportionally Serve More
Low-Income Riders and People of Color than
Caltrain
Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey 2017, Caltrain 2019 Triennial Survey, SamTrans, SFMTA, and VTA on-board surveys.
15%
4%
44%
24%
28%
14%
6%
31%
32%
29%
22%
17%
16%
28% 28%
49%
74%
9%
16% 15%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Corridor
Residents
Caltrain SamTrans SFMTA VTA
<$25,000 $25K-50K $50K-$100K >$100K
15
37%
42%
19%
29%
24%
28%
36%
28%
24%
20%
27%
9%
37%
22%
34%
3%
3% 7%
19% 9%
5%
10% 9% 7%
13%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Corridor
Residents
Caltrain SamTrans SFMTA VTA
White Asian Latinx Black Other
Household Income Race/Ethnicity
Schedule &
Frequency
16. Parallel Transit Has More Frequent All-Day
Service & Serves More Midday Riders
16
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
AM Early AM Peak Midday PM Peak PM Late
Tranis/BusesperHour
Caltrain (5AM-12AM) SFMTA -T-Third (5AM-12AM)
SamTrans - ECR (4AM-2AM) VTA - 522 (5AM-12AM)
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
AM Early AM Peak Midday PM Peak PM Late PM Night
AverageBoardings/Hour
Parallel Transit Caltrain
RidershipFrequency
Schedule &
Frequency
17. Caltrain does not have an underlying
dedicated source of funding- the system is
highly reliant on self generated revenues-
primarily fares.
Pre-COVID, Caltrain had a total budgeted Operating
Expense of $156 million in FY2020. Of this total, $91 million
(58%) were direct TASI O&M costs, $38 million (24%) were
for other (non-TASI) operating expenses, $24 million (16%)
were for Administrative Expenses, and $3 million (2%) was
for Long-term Debt.
On the revenue side, Caltrain budgeted for a total of $156
million during FY2020, of which $114 million (73%) was Self-
Generated Revenue, $11 million (7%) was in Other
Revenues and Funding, and $30 million (19%) was Local
Member Contributions. The remaining $1 million was
budgeted to be paid out of the revenue stabilization fund.
All costs shown in YOE $
Budgeted Operating Expenses and Revenue
FY 2020
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
FY20 Operating Expenses FY20 Operating Revenues
USDMillions
Core Operations and Maintenance
Contract (TASI)
Other Operating Expenses
Administrative Expenses
Self-Generated Revenues
Other Revenues & Funding
JPB Member Contributions
Long Term Debt Revenue Stabilization Fund
1717
Fares &
Cost
Structure
Cost &
Fare Structure
18. Comparisons: Travel Time & Cost
Bayshore to
SoMa, SF
16 min
$3.75
$96.00 monthly
10 min
$3.00
$81.00 monthly
Redwood
City to
Palo Alto
8 min
$6.00
$163.50 monthly
30 min
$2.25
$65.60 monthly
Redwood
City to
SoMa, SF
40 min
$6.00
$163.50 monthly
120 min
$2.25 ($4.00*)
$65.60 (96.00*)
monthly
Palo Alto to
San Jose
30 min
$6.00
$163.50 monthly
100 min
$2.50 ($5.00*)
$90 ($180.00*)
monthly
* Adult fares are higher on all VTA express buses
and on SamTrans express buses leaving SF.
• Caltrain is generally faster but more expensive
• Caltrain has a zone-based fare structure: costs increase with distance travelled
• Parallel systems use flat rates with higher fares for express bus services
18
Cost &
Fare Structure
19. • Within the corridor, SFMTA currently
provides a low-income discount fare
option
• Caltrain will begin participating in a
means-based fare option through
MTC’s Clipper START Program (20%
discount)
• Caltrain’s need to maintain an overall
high farebox recovery is driven by its
underlying funding constraints
Transit
Agency
Discount Programs
Youth Senior Disabled
Low-
Income
Approx.
Farebox
Recovery
Caltrain ✓ ✓ ✓ 20%
discount
starting
in 2020
70%
BART ✓ ✓ ✓ 70%
SFMTA ✓ ✓ ✓
50%
discount
25%
SamTrans ✓ ✓ ✓ 15%
VTA ✓ ✓ ✓ 11%
19
Cost &
Fare Structure
20. Discount Pass Programs
are More Heavily Used
By Middle- and High-
Income Riders
Caltrain’s most discounted pass is
the GoPass. In October 2016, the
average GoPass customer paid $2.89,
versus the non-GoPass customer
average of $5.96.*
The GoPass and Monthly Pass are
the fare payment options with the least
use by very-low and low-income riders.
Household Income
and Fare Method
48%
36%
29% 30%
23%
18%
14% 14%
5%
11%
17% 16%
25%
35%
39% 40%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Very Low- Income Low-Income Middle-Income High-Income
One-Way Ticket Day/Week Pass GoPass Monthly Pass
Cost &
Fare Structure
Source: Caltrain 2019 Triennial Survey.
20
Cost &
Fare Structure
21. 0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
2007 2010 2013 2016 2019
AverageWeekdayRiders
How do Weekday Passengers
Travel to and from Caltrain?
Drive
Walk
Bike
Transit
Drop Off
Shuttle
Data from Caltrain’s Triennial Surveys- 2007 through 2019
21
Access &
Connections
22. Station Access by Household Income
Drive Bike Transit Walk Drop Off Shuttle
Data from Caltrain’s 2019 Triennial Survey
22
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
<50K
$50K-$100K
$100K-$150K
$150K-$200K
>$200K
High income riders rely more on driving and biking
Low income riders rely more on transit
Access &
Connections
23. 36%
10% of Caltrain Riders Connect to
Other Transit Services
Percent of Caltrain transfers to other operators
32%
22%
6%
3%
Other
23
Access &
Connections
24. Standardized Schedule - Example
• Repeating clockface patterns
• Symmetrical in both directions
• Typically communicated as “lines”
(eg the “A Line”)
Line A
Line B
Line C
Each Line 2x per Hour
Each Train 1x per Hour
Customized Schedule - Example
• Complex patterns that may vary by time of day
• May not be symmetrical in both directions
• Typically communicated as individual train
numbers
105
107
109
209
211
213
Today, Caltrain's Complex Service Pattern
Limits Opportunities for Schedule
Coordination
Access &
Connections
25. Today, Caltrain's Complex Service Pattern
Limits Opportunities for Schedule
Coordination
Today, Caltrain’s highly customized schedule prevents regular coordinated
transfers (~5 Minutes) with bus and rail services at most stations
BART
Arrival
Caltrain
Departure
7:21 18 Mins
Example: Southbound AM BART-Caltrain Connection at Millbrae
7:39
7:36 7:39
7:51 7:52 (12 min wait until next train)
8:06 8:16
3 Mins
1 Min
10 Mins
Wait Time
8:04
25
Access &
Connections
26. Fares & Transfers
A higher share (25%) of Very Low-Income riders take
transit to access the Caltrain system – more than any
other income group
• Bus to Caltrain fare transfers are not offered
• Caltrain to Bus fare transfers differ by operator- and
most are tied to monthly pass*
Very-low income riders are the least likely of all income
groups to use a Monthly Pass.
* Muni provides a 50-cent discount to all Caltrain transfers who use Clipper.
26
50 cent fare discount to all
riders using a Clipper Card
No discount on paper tickets
Free local rides for two-zone
or greater Monthly Pass
holders
No discount for one-way
fares and other products
Free local rides for two-zone
or greater Monthly Pass
holders
No discount for one-way
fares and other products
No discounts
Access &
Connections
27. Fares & Transfers
A higher share (25%) of Very Low-Income riders take
transit to access the Caltrain system – more than any
other income group
• Bus to Caltrain fare transfers are not offered
• Caltrain to Bus fare transfers differ by operator- and
most are tied to monthly pass*
Very-low income riders are the least likely of all income
groups to use a Monthly Pass.
* Muni provides a 50-cent discount to all Caltrain transfers who use Clipper.
27
50 cent fare discount to all
riders using a Clipper Card
No discount on paper tickets
Free local rides for two-zone
or greater Monthly Pass
holders
No discount for one-way
fares and other products
Free local rides for two-zone
or greater Monthly Pass
holders
No discount for one-way
fares and other products
No discounts
Access &
Connections
28. What Policy Considerations Can Caltrain
Explore to Increase Ridership from Low-
Income Communities?
Caltrain could attract more low-income riders by:
• Expanding service during off-peak hours and non-traditional commute times
• Offering low-income fare products. Caltrain has committed to piloting low-income fare products
starting this year as part of the regional MTC SMART program launch
• Evolving and simplifying fare structure so that discounts and transfer benefits accrue equitably to
all types of riders
• Expanding and investing in first- and last-mile access that benefits all types of trips and people
with a focus on Communities of Concern that have expressed a desire for better station access
such as Bayview in SF and North Fair Oaks in San Mateo County
28
30. Caltrain does not have an underlying
dedicated source of funding- the system is
highly reliant on self generated revenues-
primarily fares.
Pre-COVID, Caltrain had a total budgeted Operating
Expense of $156 million in FY2020. Of this total, $91 million
(58%) were direct TASI O&M costs, $38 million (24%) were
for other (non-TASI) operating expenses, $24 million (16%)
were for Administrative Expenses, and $3 million (2%) was
for Long-term Debt.
On the revenue side, Caltrain budgeted for a total of $156
million during FY2020, of which $114 million (73%) was Self-
Generated Revenue, $11 million (7%) was in Other
Revenues and Funding, and $30 million (19%) was Local
Member Contributions. The remaining $1 million was
budgeted to be paid out of the revenue stabilization fund.
All costs shown in YOE $
Budgeted Operating Expenses and Revenue
FY 2020
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
FY20 Operating Expenses FY20 Operating Revenues
USDMillions
Core Operations and Maintenance
Contract (TASI)
Other Operating Expenses
Administrative Expenses
Self-Generated Revenues
Other Revenues & Funding
JPB Member Contributions
Long Term Debt Revenue Stabilization Fund
3030
Fares &
Cost
Structure
Cost &
Fare Structure
Editor's Notes
All except Hillsdale and Belmont
Data is from survey results from parallel routes only
Over 50% of parallel route riders are a part of very low- or low-income households vs. 10% of Caltrain riders