Overview

• Caltrain's six-week transition from diesel to electric trains in 2024 reduced riders' black carbon exposure by 89%, according to a new UC Berkeley study.
• The study found ambient black carbon levels at the San Francisco station dropped significantly, matching reductions achieved by 30 years of clean air regulations.
• Electrification cut projected excess cancer deaths by 51 per million riders and 330 per million conductors, underscoring major public health benefits.
• The $2.44 billion modernization project replaced 29 diesel locomotives with 23 electric trains, transforming the busiest commuter rail system in the western U.S.
• Researchers urge U.S. municipalities to accelerate rail electrification, citing quieter, more reliable electric trains with lower greenhouse gas emissions.