Fact Brief:  Does Caltrain own the southbound right of way near Tamien Station?

No.

The Union Pacific Railroad owns the train tracks south of Tamien Station in Santa Clara County. Caltrain and Southern Pacific Transportation company, Union Pacific’s predecessor in interest, entered into a trackage Rights Agreement in 1991 where the commuter rail line could use the rail lines to move commuters and office workers, while the freight companies would use the lines for cargo. 

This change in ownership between the two companies prevented Caltrain service from being electrified south of Tamien Station in San Jose and is the reason Caltrain runs diesel locomotives for service to Gilroy. 

Today, this shift in ownership can also cause a change in the right-of-way between the rail lines depending on who owns the track the trains are on.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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Sources

• Caltrain Corridor Crossing FAQS
• Caltrain CalMod: Caltrain Electrification FAQ