DISQUS

VentureBeat: Caltrain ridership booms — Silicon Valley’s roller coaster

  • Phil · 2 years ago
    The trains sure seem crowded lately. But surely $3.50/gal gas is a confounding factor?
  • Duncan · 2 years ago
    I used Caltrain yesterday, even on a Sunday it was packed both ways. A little rough in terms of global trains (ride quality in particular, it seems to rock a bit) but a decent service at a reasonable price.
  • Eric Eldon · 2 years ago
    Well, gas prices are no doubt a factor -- however, other systems around the country haven't had the same success.

    For example, Las Vegas: http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-monor...
  • Lee Courtney · 2 years ago
    WHen I worked at a start-up in Sunnyvale I took the train from Menlo Park. A great transition to start my workday. Had enough time to do a first pass of email before getting into the office. On train wireless would be wonderful. BTW we hardly ever drive into SF any more - just jump on the train (or BART).
  • Uday Subbarayan · 2 years ago
    I live in the valley for last 8 years and first time, I took Caltrain was last May to attend JavaONE'07. The primary reasons are gas price, 101 traffic and comfort in traveling train.

    On top of my personal thing, i hate driving alone in a SUV to moscone from south bay...for the global warming reason.

    This is a good trend(increasing traffic in caltrain) and seeing another good thing these days in 101...increasing number of Prius!!!
  • 60 in 3 · 2 years ago
    I commute from Sunnyvale to Redwood Shores using a bike and Caltrain. If I drove, the 101 would take me around 45 minutes of agony and stress. The bike / train commute takes me 45 minutes and has zero stress plus time to read a book, work on the laptop or sleep. All that plus it's cheaper, healthier and better for the environment. In a valley filled with smart, environmentally conscious people who value their time and productivity, I'm amazed more people don't take advantage of CalTrain.

    Gal
  • GaryB · 2 years ago
    I live in Palo Alto and commute by bike 4 miles to the University station (20 min), 5 min wait at the station then another 15 min to San Mateo. I get a workout and then a short train ride to read a bit or do email. This is compared to 35 minutes of idiot drivers and stop and go on 101 -- the train is a no-brainer. It's almost always on time except when it squashes someone.

    I do wish Caltrain would update their website with live train location information and email alerts for problems. This should be obvious to them ... but alas. Still, driving is just nuts if you can do the train instead. PLUS: You can drink beer on the train.
  • Cleantech News · 2 years ago
    The biggest problem with Caltrain is that the trains comes so infrequently. I think this is the biggest reason why I and others don't use it.