FAQs: Three Bike Cars on Bombardiers

Is there an exact date that we can expect to see a third bike car added to each Bombardier train set?
The new changes will take place on April 4. As a result, the six-car Bombardier train sets will now feature three cars with bike storage capabilities. Previously only two bike cars were available.

Will the configuration of the additional bike car remain the same as the current bike cars?
Yes, except there will be no overhead rack on the new cars.

Where will the additional bike car be?
The configuration of the additional bike car can be found online here. The new bike car will be directly adjacent to an existing bike car.

How many bike racks will be in each additional bike car?
There will be 6 bike racks per car.

How many bikes will be allowed in each additional car?
The bike onboard rules will remain the same for the bike additional cars, so there will be no more than four bikes per rack. As a result, each new bike car will be able to hold 24 bikes.

How many total bikes on the Bombardier trains will be allowed as a result of the additional bike car?
Because there are now three bike cars for each Bombardier train set, those trains will be capable of carrying 72 bikes. By comparison, Caltrain’s Gallery trains carry 80 bikes.

How many seats will be available in the additional bike car?
Each additional bike car will have 114 seats total. Of those, 66 will be on the upper level, 36 will be split evenly on the bi-level, and 12 will be on the lower level.

How many seats are no longer available as a result of the additional bike car?
As a result of the bike car modifications, 14 seats will be lost. Before the change to a bike car, there were 24 standard seats and two “flip-up” seats available. Now, there will be 12 seats available.

What are the rules for stacking bikes on the each rack?
The same protocols will remain. Cyclists should attach a destination tag to their bike. Bikes should be stacked on each rack according to their destination stop.

Will there be shelving in the additional bike car for helmets, and other bike equipment?
There will be no shelving for equipment on the lower level.

How easy will it be for bicyclist to maneuver between the adjacent cars?
The configuration will remain the same, so passengers will be able to maneuver between cars. However, bikes will not be allowed to move between train cars.

Will Caltrain conductors be trained to oversee protocols on the bike cars?
There will be a conductor stationed at all times between the two bike cars. They have been instructed on how to oversee bike protocols.

How will Caltrain communicate the new changes to the public?
Caltrain will distribute on-board information pamphlets, post updates on social media, send out news releases, and maintain outreach efforts with local bike coalitions and advocacy groups.

Will there be an event to mark the debut of the new bike cars?
Yes. Caltrain will host an event at the San Francisco station on the morning of April 4. Details about the event will be announced as they are finalized.

3/23/16 - rjc