It was so incredible to see so many people coming out today to view the new #Caltrain engines. Tbh I didn’t expect that many people to show up; maybe not a small crowd, but definitely not that large. And that’s really wonderful! I think it shows that many more people in the Bay Area are interested in #PublicTransit than is commonly believed (*especially* in the South Bay). It’s a relief, really, to see this level of interest from people in the midst of these terrible heat waves. Hopefully more people are starting to understand that taking transit is one of the most effective ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
@talzag my thoughts exactly. I look forward to commuting on these when I need to in the comfort of a quiet, airconditioned, wifi enabled train.
@talzag We will someday realize that trains can be a vital part of our transportation network. The Europeans discovered this decades ago.
Our population centers will expand and the use of the private automobile will be impossible for many.
Think trains.
@trainman 💯 % agree. I was thinking this morning that if more people experienced rail travel they’d be more likely to use it over air travel or driving (as long they can get around their destination without a car). Air travel’s a huge PITA; TSA, cramped seats, airlines nickel-and-dime-ing you for everything, not to mention the pollution. And cars suck for so many reasons.
@talzag definitely! Helped out a bit with people from Californians for Electric Rail, which is working on getting more lines electrified, and many people were excited about seeing more electric trains. The goal is to make it easier to electrify through funding, permitting reform, and building up Caltrans to have in-house design expertise for trains.
@alfredtwu it would be wonderful to have more electric rail in CA! ACE, Caltrain, HSR, it would be great to have efficient, clean transit across the state. Thanks to the folks at CER for their work!