Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, Caltrain
Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
(Metrolinx)
Metrolinx updates its bike policy. Also, Caltrain explores options for a new headquarters.
Metrolinx
Metrolinx announced March 25 that it is making room for more bikes due to increased demand for bicycle and e-bike transport on the GO Train network.
One of the ways the transit agency is making customer commutes safer and more convenient is by building eight additional designated bike coaches. That’s more than double the current number of bike coaches in the fleet.
Once in service, Metrolinx says the new bike coaches will provide additional capacity on the Kitchener Line, as well as seasonal service on weekend Lakeshore West trips to Niagara Falls. One bike coach is deployed per train trip.
The new coaches can hold up to 22 bikes, as well as additional seating for customers.
In addition to adding new bike coaches, Metrolinx is updating its bike policy to “ensure trains, buses and stations are safe for everyone.”
Part of the updated policy will require all e-bike batteries to meet standard UL or CE requirements and there must be no physical damage to the battery case or warranty seal.
GO Transit staff are inspecting all e-bikes and attaching tamper-proof seals to those that meet the new safety requirements.
Enforcement of the updated bike policy will begin on April 9.
GO Transit staff will be on hand to help customers board safely by educating customers on the updated policy, directing customers to dedicated bike coaches, helping disperse bikes evenly across all train coaches and ensuring bikes do not exceed capacity limits.
The full policy is available here.
Caltrain
Caltrain on March 25 issued a Request for Information (RFI) from property owners, manager or their qualified broker representatives to assist with identifying potential new office space for its headquarters.
Caltrain currently shares a headquarters with SamTrans in San Carlos near the San Carlos Caltrain Station. In 2025, SamTrans is planning to move to a new headquarters building located near the Millbrae Caltrain Station and has offered Caltrain the option to continue to co-locate. Caltrain says it is e”valuating this opportunity, while also exploring other options to lease or purchase separate office space near a Caltrain station.”
Caltrain is seeking to acquire 27,000 to 35,000 square feet of office space near a Caltrain station on the San Francisco Peninsula, either through a lease or purchase agreement. Caltrain is interested in hearing from the private sector, as well as public entities.
Submissions shall be considered as expressions of interest to sell or lease properties described. The RFI is available for download here.
Interested firms are requested to submit one electronic PDF version of their submission to [email protected] by 1:00 p.m. PT on Monday, April 22.
