A poll of likely voters in Santa Clara, San Mateo and San Francisco counties shows overwhelming approval for Caltrain, with 82% of respondents reporting a favorable view of the transit agency.
Riders of Caltrain report even stronger approval of the agency, with 84% of occasional riders and 91% of frequent riders reporting a favorable view.
“It’s great to see this level of support for Caltrain, one of the Bay Area’s key regional transit systems," said Caltrain Board Chair Steve Heminger, former MTC Executive Director. "These results show strong public support for transit funding and we as a region need to work together to find a way to make that a reality. We must ensure that the promise of electric service is fulfilled, now and in the decades to come.”
High levels of support for the agency follow the launch of its new high-performance electric trains in September 2024 that offer faster and more frequent service. It also comes alongside Caltrain reporting its best ridership numbers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Caltrain saw ridership grow to more than a half million passengers in December 2024, a 41% increase over December 2023.
Respondents recognize the need for additional funding for public transit, with 73% stating there is either some need or a great need for more funding. Nearly two-thirds of respondents in San Francisco and San Mateo counties would support a Caltrain funding measure, with support at 65% and 63%, respectively. A majority of voters polled in Santa Clara County also supported a Caltrain measure.
The primary motivations for respondents supporting a measure included increased service, improved regional connectivity and reduced traffic congestion.
From Jan. 8 to 23, EMC Research conducted a survey of 1,500 likely voters in Santa Clara, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties to gauge voter sentiment. The poll was presented to Caltrain’s Advocacy and Major Projects Committee.
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