NEWS 

Nov. 15, 2024 

Media Contact: Dan Lieberman, 650.622.2492

Caltrain Diesel Fleet to Bring Passenger Rail Service to Peru 

Caltrain’s old trains to provide sustainability and mobility improvements for millions of Peruvians 

Caltrain will send its retired diesel fleet to the Municipality of Lima, Peru to continue operating passenger service. 

An official solicitation process was initiated to find a new home for this long-serving equipment. Lima, Peru expressed its desire to acquire all of the retired fleet. Following negotiations with the government of Lima, Caltrain has finalized an agreement that will transfer 90 retired gallery cars and 19 diesel locomotives to Peru. Caltrain will be reimbursed over $6 million for the retired vehicles. 

The agreement between Caltrain and Lima will support Peru in its sustainability and mobility improvements. The retired trains will enable thousands of riders to enjoy a new regional commuter rail line that provides significant environmental benefits by reducing automobile traffic and greenhouse gas emissions.  

The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAMQD) supported this agreement for its environmental and mobility benefits, and for its ability to strengthen ties between the United States and Peru. 

In September, Caltrain launched its new electrified schedule, transforming the 160-year-old San Francisco to San Jose rail corridor from diesel to electric power. Caltrain is currently running 100% renewable, zero-emission service with high-performance, state-of-the-art electric trains. Caltrain riders now enjoy faster, more frequent, and quieter trains. Significant ridership growth has occurred with the introduction of the new service and experience.    

As part of the Caltrain electrification project, these gallery car and diesel locomotive fleet were formally retired. This equipment was built between 1985 and 1987. They served millions of riders throughout nearly 40 years of service and have supported the growth of Caltrain and the surrounding region over the years. Caltrain recently received a waiver from the BAAQMD allowing it to keep the locomotives in operation rather than  being scrapped.  

“This agreement will help Peru embrace a more sustainable future while also bringing millions of dollars to help us keep Caltrain running,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard. “Our former Caltrain passenger cars and locomotives will enable the start of new commuter rail service in greater Lima, cleaner air for commuters and community members and the access to opportunity that great public transportation provides. ¡Todos a bordo!” 

“These trains have a long and proud legacy of service that we’re proud to pass along to the people of Peru,” said Caltrain Board Chair Dev Davis. “The F40s hold a special place in the heart of train enthusiasts, and there’s no better task for them than to keep helping people get where they need to go.” 

To celebrate execution of the agreement and the strong ties between the United States and Peru, Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard will represent the railroad at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima on Saturday, Nov. 16. Representatives of Lima, the U.S. State Department, and other dignitaries will join Caltrain in celebrating this partnership. 

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About Caltrain: Owned and operated by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, Caltrain provides rail service from San Francisco to San Jose, with commute service to Gilroy. Serving the region since 1863, Caltrain is the oldest continually operating rail system west of the Mississippi. Looking to the future, Caltrain is set to electrify the corridor by 2024, which will reduce diesel emissions and add more service to more stations while advancing the agency’s equity goals.