CA AB2197

Appropriates $260,000,000 from the General Fund to the Transportation Agency for allocation to the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board to complete the Caltrain Electrification Project

Caltrain electrification project spans 51 miles between San Francisco and San Jose, will replace 75 percent of the existing diesel fleet with high-performance electric trains, and is expected to become operational in 2024

Project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, has created 2,500 jobs in California, and will provide more efficient rail service with increased frequency and reduced travel times

Nearly all civil work on the project is complete as of the bill's introduction, with trains being manufactured in Utah and scheduled to arrive in spring 2022 for testing

Project cost has increased due to COVID-19 pandemic impacts, unforeseen site conditions in the 150-year-old right-of-way, and a contractor settlement; board is pursuing additional federal and local funding alongside this state appropriation