Caltrain Modernization Program
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Caltrain is committed to supporting a more sustainable San Francisco Bay Area.

Caltrain promotes sustainability by providing affordable, accessible, environmentally friendly mobility options to move people where they live, work and play. Its Sustainability Program regularly evaluates the agency’s operational impacts on communities and the environment, and finds ways to lessen those impacts. The rail agency also encourages environmental stewardship by Caltrain’s partners, customers and employees.

Sustainability Benefits of Riding Public Transit
Customers that ride Caltrain promote sustainability in many ways that benefit the community:
• Reducing fuel consumption
• Saving households money[1]
• Mitigating traffic congestion
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and related climate change impacts
• Improving regional air quality

Caltrain’s Commute Calculator helps estimate how much money customers save by taking Caltrain instead of driving. A Carbon Savings Calculator estimates how taking transit can reduce your carbon footprint.

[1] An average 20-mile trip by car can cost $10-15 (AAA 2014 “Your Driving Costs”)


APTA-Sustainability-Bronze-Recognition-logo Sustainability Program Framework
As the managing agency of Caltrain, the San Mateo County Transit District’s sustainability policies and practices extend to the facilities and employees that support the management of Caltrain’s service. The District’s Sustainability Policy summarizes our commitment to incorporating sustainability into standard operating procedures and long-term decision-making. Further, sustainability is a key component of Caltrain’s vision and Strategic Plan.

The District (and through it, Caltrain) is a strong supporter of the American Public Transportation Association’s Sustainability Program and participates in the annual Sustainability & Public Transportation Workshop as well as APTA’s Sustainability committees. In 2010, the District became a founding signatory to the APTA Sustainability Commitment.


Sustainability in Action
Click HERE for examples of Caltrain’s commitment to sustainability in operating and maintenance programs, capital projects, long-term planning and everyday business practices.

Board Presentations
Click HERE to view Sustainability Program updates to the Caltrain Board.

Top 10 in 2015
Click HERE for the Top 10 District Sustainability Program highlights from 2015.

4/13/16 - ms