Caltrain is a popular means of transportation for many Woodside students, and with any public transport, safety and reliability are always a concern.
Caltrain is well-known for its convenience, running from around 6:30 a.m. to midnight, depending on the day of the week, according to Caltrain. The long length that Caltrain covers also makes it extra serviceable, with 31 stations from San Francisco all the way down to Gilroy, according to the Caltrain website. Sophomore Emerson Aiken speaks on just how frequent her use of Caltrain is.
“[I ride Caltrain] a lot,” Aiken said. “Maybe three to four times a week.”
According to the Caltrain Summary Report, 66% of all riders use Caltrain at least four days per week. However, some people use the train more periodically, such as sophomore Jasmine Rodriguez.
“It depends, but usually I take it like three times a month,” Rodriguez said.
A factor to consider when debating Caltrain’s reliability is its punctuality. According to Caltrain, 5-10 minute delays are regular, and major disruptions like track incidents or mechanical issues can lead to longer waits. Sophomore Valentina Gutierrez speaks on her experience with Caltrain waits.
“The train is usually on time. If not, it’s two to three minutes delayed,” Gutierrez said.
Drug use on the train or at stations is also something to be considered when thinking about the safety of students. Sophomore Lyla Rich speaks on her experience seeing drug users on Caltrain.
“Here and there, you see people smoking on the train and doing drugs and stuff,” Rich said.
While not having experienced seeing any disruptive drug users on Caltrain, Rodriguez recounts her friend’s experience.
“One of my friends said that someone was doing meth right next to her,” Rodriguez said. “I think it was [a scary experience].”
According to CBS news, a recent stabbing incident at the Redwood City Caltrain station on Aug. 27th resulted in the death of the victim. This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of Redwood City’s station, says Rich.
“I’ve heard of someone getting stabbed at the train station in Redwood City,” said Rich. “So now I don’t want to go there because I’m scared.”
The new police station in the Redwood City Caltrain station is going to address this ongoing crime, public intoxication, drug use, theft, and violence in the station, says Redwood City. A final point to consider is the affordability of Caltrain.
“The tickets are very cheap for the youth, you know, I recommend it,” said Gutierrez.
Caltrain’s youth tickets are $1 for one way and $2 for an all-zone pass, according to Caltrain. Clipper cards are also popular for frequent riders of Caltrain, says Caltrain. Despite student issues with Caltrain, it remains a popular means of transportation.
“I love taking the train,” Gutierrez said. “I think it’s a very efficient way to get places.”
