Caltrain Electrification: Lessons from a Pioneering Commuter Rail Upgrade
Speakers:
John Passmann, Manager of Energy @ Caltrain, former Energy Services Manager @ SJCE
Duncan Watry, Senior Advisor @ WSP, former Link21 Manager for Planning @ BART
Dahlia Chazan, Chief of Rail Planning @Caltrain
The event is hosted by:
University of San Francisco - Energy Systems Management
Event Partners:
Description:
Join the YPE Bay Area event during SF Climate week to explore the many dimensions of the Caltrain Electrification Project—one of the most significant rail transformations in the U.S!
This conversation will go beyond a single narrative, diving into the project from multiple angles including policy and advocacy, operations, billing and crediting, and engineering and technical execution. By convening voices across these areas, the panel will offer a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how electrification comes to life—from early vision to real-world implementation.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage deeply with the complexities of train electrification, unpack key challenges, and explore what it takes to scale and replicate these efforts across the United States. The discussion will also open the door to broader questions about the future of rail, sustainability, and infrastructure innovation nationwide.
Whether you're interested in policy hurdles, organizational momentum, technical breakthroughs, or market and regulatory challenges, this session is designed to give you a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of electrification and where it could go next.
Join us for a conversation that connects ideas, expertise, and possibilities for the future of rail in the U.S.
“By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of SF Climate Week.”