VentureBeat - Latest Comments in Caltrain ridership booms — Silicon Valley’s roller coaster

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

Cleantech News — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 12:36:21 -0000

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.

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

GaryB — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 01:05:20 -0000

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.

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

60 in 3 — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 01:43:56 -0000

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

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

Uday Subbarayan — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:41:13 -0000

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!!!

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

leec — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:46:21 -0000

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).

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

Eric Rosser Eldon — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:25:08 -0000

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/a...

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

Duncan — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:13:39 -0000

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.

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

Phil — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:48:35 -0000

The trains sure seem crowded lately. But surely $3.50/gal gas is a confounding factor?