California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

Chapter IX – Commuter Rail Services
weekday trains run on 30-minute headways at major stations and one-hour
headways at minor stations. Also, on weekdays, six trains are extended to and
from Gilroy.
The system provides extensive weekend service, which consists of 32 trains on
Saturday, and 28 on Sundays. The weekend trains provide local service between
San Francisco and San Jose Diridon stations on one-hour headways.
Buses provide a connection between Diridon and Tamien stations.
FARE STRUCTURE
Caltrain uses a six-zone fare structure based on distance traveled. Trips of longer
distances are charged higher fares but at a lower cost per mile. Tickets, including
one-way tickets, one-day passes, ten-ride tickets, and monthly passes, must be
purchased in advance at staffed stations, from automated ticket vending machines
located at station platforms, by mail, at selected employment sites throughout the
Bay Area, or over the Internet. Seniors, the disabled, and youth may travel at half
the fare for all types of tickets. Riders must show proof of their ticket when asked
to do so during random spot checks by fare enforcement personnel.
Caltrain monthly pass holders receive a local fare credit on SamTrans buses and
on VTA buses and light rail vehicles. For SamTrans patrons, the pass must be two
zones or greater to receive the credit. For VTA passengers, the monthly pass must
be two zones or greater for adult and senior/disabled riders, three zones or greater
for youth riders. A two-zone Caltrain monthly pass also is valid for a free transfer
to the Dumbarton Express bus. Caltrain customers connecting with San Francisco
Muni may purchase a discounted Muni Pass along with their Caltrain monthly
pass to make the connection.
Caltrain is currently participating in a program called TransLink, a universal fare
smart card (a form of electronic cash card) with a microchip that stores fare
information. Riders can use the smart card to pay for fares on any public transit
service in the Bay Area. When fully operational, it is expected that all Bay Area
operators will use TransLink. TransLink is expected to be ready for universal use
on Caltrain in 2006.
CONNECTING SERVICES
Caltrain has a direct connection with other major operators on its route. Many of
Caltrain’s stations are multimodal and facilitate transfers between other transit
operators, including Muni, BART, SamTrans, VTA light rail and buses,
AC Transit, the Dumbarton Express bus, and ACE that provides commuter service
from Stockton to San Jose. ACE shares stations with Caltrain at Santa Clara and
San Jose Diridon stations.
Caltrain connects directly with the intercity Capitol Corridor and Amtrak’s longdistance
Coast Starlight, at the San Jose Diridon Station. Amtrak San Joaquin and
119