REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board for the Caltrain Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project
Report
BACKGROUND
The Caltrain Modernization program envisions a series of capital improvement projects to upgrade the performance, operating efficiency, capacity, safety and reliability of Caltrain's commuter rail service. These projects include: (1) implementation of an advanced signal system, which is currently being installed and tested; (2) electrification of the existing Caltrain corridor between San Francisco and San Jose; and, (3) replacement of Caltrain's diesel trains with high-performance electric trains.
The Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP) will electrify the Caltrain corridor by installing overhead power lines to run the new electric trains ("overhead contact system" (OCS)). The OCS electrical poles to be installed along the 51-mile Caltrain-owned corridor, will typically be spaced 180-200 feet apart, and are approximately 25 to 30 feet in height. After the poles are installed, electrical wire will be strung along these poles to provide power to the new electric trains. Since this is a design-build project (meaning the final design will be completed by the selected contractor), the exact locations of these poles will be determined upon completion of the final design documents. However, approximately 250 poles will be installed within Sunnyvale. In addition to the OCS the PCEP also includes a traction power facility (TPF) within the Sunnyvale Caltrain station parking lot. This facility is needed to provide power to the OCS.
Once completed, this project would provide increased service and offer several advantages in comparison to existing diesel power use, including:
* Improved train performance, increased ridership capacity and increased service
* Increased revenue and reduced fuel costs
* Reduced engine noise emanating from tra...
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