Caltrain is set to hold an online public meeting later this month on a proposal to permanently close its Atherton station, a move transit agency officials say would benefit both Caltrain and Atherton.
The Zoom meeting is set for Wednesday, July 29, at 5:30 p.m. (see the bottom of this story for meeting information).
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Atherton station received limited weekend-only service every 90 minutes serving an average of 114 riders per weekend day. Weekday service to the station was cut in 2005 due to low demand, the transit agency said. Also, the the station’s center boarding configuration limits operations, “as trains traveling in the other direction are required to wait while the train at the station is boarding,” according to Caltrain.
“If the station remains, an upgrade of substantial cost would be necessary to prevent disruption of the expanded service that will come with the electrification of the corridor,” the transit agency said in a statement.
Relocating service to nearby stations would be more efficient for riders and would reduce maintenance costs, according to the statement.
In January, the Town of Atherton tentatively endorsed closing the station subject to an agreement with Caltrain. The town would see reduced noise and increased safety by closing the station and an opportunity to use the site for its Civic Center redevelopment plans, the transit agency said.
The transit agency’s Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on the proposal Aug. 6.
Public Meeting
Wednesday, July 29, 2020, 5:30 p.m.
Zoom Info: zoom.us/j/97368870471
Webinar ID: 973 6887 0471
Access via Telephone: 1.669.900.9128
Meeting ID: 9736 8870 471
Public Hearing
Thursday, August 6, 2020, 9 a.m.
Zoom Info: zoom.us/j/95032112562
Webinar ID: 950 3211 2562
Access via Telephone: 1.669.900.9128
Meeting ID: 950 3211 2562
Prior to the hearing, comments may be sent by completing the online comment form at www.caltrain.com/athertonclosure, by mail, e-mail or phone:
Board Secretary
Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board
P.O. Box 3006, San Carlos, CA 94070-1306
Changes@caltrain.com 1.800.660.4287 (TTY 650.508.6448)
For translation or interpretation assistance, call Caltrain at 1.800.660.4287 at least three days before the meeting.
