Caltrain to add cars to all Bombardier trains

Caltrain announced on Wednesday that it will be adding an additional train car to each of its Bombardier models in operation, beginning on Monday.

According to the announcement, this addition will add 150 available seats and additional standing room during peak hours. The Caltrain system states that ridership has increased over the past four years and has an average of approximately 61,000 riders during its peak season.

“Putting additional capacity into the system as quickly as possible was among this year’s top priorities,” Caltrain Executive Director Jim Hartnett said. “We’re pleased to be able to put these new cars online quickly, while we complete the rehabilitation project and convert some of these cars to expand onboard bike capacity.”

Sixteen used rail cars were purchases earlier in 2015, four of which were ready to be installed almost immediately, while the remaining 12 continue to be repaired and renovated. They will be added to trains as they become ready.

There is additional work being done to newer cars, so that they can better accommodate cycling passengers by allowing space for bicycle storage; the company aims to add a total of 72 bike spaces over the rest of this year.