SAN JOSE, Calif. — One of the two major power substations for the Caltrain electrification project has been energized for the first time, a milestone that will allow testing of equipment at Caltrain’s San Jose facility and on a portion of the San Jose-San Francisco corridor.
The Caltrain Traction Power Substation in San Jose was energed by Pacific Gas & Electric over the weekend, the commuter operator announced.
“This is a critical step forward in the Caltrain Electrification project, signifying power availability along a six-mile stretch of the corridor between Santa Clara and San Jose,” Caltrain Acting Executive Director Michelle Bouchard said in a press release. “… Availability of power will enable us to begin testing and commissioning the overhead contact system and new EMU trains. We want to thank PG&E for their help and coordination with this complex undertaking.”
The major substations in San Jose and South San Francisco, along with eight smaller substations, will allow Caltrain to switch from diesel-hauled trains to electric multiple-unit trainsets being built by Stadler at its plant in Salt Lake City.
Caltrain continues to install poles and wires on other portions of the corridor, while embarking on a public outreach campaign about safety along the electrified route. The electrification project is expected to be completed in 2024.
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