Caltrain electrification plan leaves Gilroy out

Caltrain and the California High Speed Rail Authority have come to an agreement to electrify Caltrain from San Francisco to San Jose, leaving the route between San Jose and Gilroy in the technological dust. 

The reason that Gilroy and Morgan Hill are left out of the project is because the tracks south of San Jose are owned by Union Pacific, an “extraordinarily difficult company to negotiate with,” according to Councilman Perry Woodward, who is on the Valley Transportation Authority board. Caltrain has not come to an agreement with Union Pacific at this time, but the long term goal is to eventually negotiate with them to extend electrification to Gilroy.

But Gilroyans shouldn’t hold their breath for it. The electrification for the rails between San Francisco and San Jose won’t even be complete for another decade, Woodward said.

Caltrain is adamant that they absolutely not canceling service to Gilroy, Woodward said.

“It’s a common worry, and it’s a worry I’ve expressed, but I’ve been told by everyone in the case that the VTA is committed to keeping service to Gilroy,” he said. 

Riders from Gilroy to San Francisco would instead have to stop in San Jose, get out, and get on the election train for the rest of the trip.

“Electrification will bring a faster, cleaner, quieter, more efficient rail system to the corridor, with more frequent service to more stations and significantly increased ridership.  A modernized Caltrain system will accommodate future job and population growth in the region,” wrote Caltrain spokeswoman Christine Dunn. 

Recent reports say that average weekly riders from the Gilroy station have increased to 366, which is 18 more than last year.