Caltrain: Proposed Schedule Changes Could Affect San Bruno

The proposed service cuts to Caltrain could affect train schedules at the Sylvan Avenue station if officials vote for the changes to help close a $2.3 million budget gap, a Caltrain spokeswoman said today.

For now, Caltrain is likely to keep services to Gilroy and weekend services the same until the 2011 fiscal year, Caltrain Executive Director Michael Scanlon said. The proposed cuts will be discussed at a public hearing on Thursday at the Caltrain headquarters in San Carlos.

"Based on estimates of the potential cost savings and input from our customers, we would like to preserve these two important services," he said.          

Cutting service to Gilroy would save Caltrain $385,000 annually, spokeswoman Christine Dunn said. Cutting weekend service would save $209,000 annually, she added.          

Caltrain officials are still considering other service cuts, including a reduction of weekday early morning, midday, and late evening services—all of which would affect trains going through San Bruno (see attached document).          

Other proposals include fare increases and a redefinition of youth to ages 17 years and younger. Currently, high school students who are 18 years old still qualify for youth-related discounts.

—Bay City News Service