Caltrain makes concessions for bike-toting riders
By: Mike Aldax
February 6, 2009
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Byciclists load onto Caltrain during rush hour at the Burlingame station. (Juan Carlos Pometta Betancourt/Special to The Examiner)
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In the next few months, bicyclists who ride Caltrain may have an easier time finding room for their two-wheelers during commute times.
Cyclists traveling during rush hour have often complained of being stranded on platforms when there isn’t enough room for their bikes.
The transit agency, facing ongoing pressure from cycling advocates, decided Thursday to order extra bike rakes, especially for the type of cars typically used on its Baby Bullet trains.
The new racks will increase the number of bicycles that can fit on a train car from 16 to 24.
Increased capacity, though, will mean the elimination of some seats. It won’t happen until at least next month, which is about how long it takes to order and receive the equipment to alter the train car, said spokeswoman Christine Dunn.
Caltrain directors said Thursday the slight capacity increase is only a quick fix, and pledged to create even more room for bicyclists. How to do that, however, is up for discussion.
Caltrain staff recommended Thursday to eventually increase capacity to 32 bicycles on Baby Bullet trains and from 32 to 40 on other trains. The suggestion would raise overall bike capacity from 2,300 to 3,050 during peak hours and from 4,000 to 5,375 per day.
The adjustment, which would cost an estimated $200,000 and could be accomplished in less than three months, would eliminate 328 seats, the transit agency said.
