By Justin Franz
If you didn’t get a chance to see and ride Caltrain before it was electrified, you’ll soon have another chance — you’ll just have to travel to Peru.
Last week, Caltrain announced it had sold 19 of its F40 locomotives and 90 of its recently retired gallery cars to Lima, Peru, for a new commuter rail service. The equipment was deemed surplus following the electrification of Caltrain between San Francisco and San Jose. Caltrain is being paid $6 million for the locomotives and cars.
“This agreement will help Peru embrace a more sustainable future while also bringing millions of dollars to help us keep Caltrain running,” stated Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard in a press release. “Our former Caltrain passenger cars and locomotives will enable the start of new commuter rail service in greater Lima, cleaner air for commuters and community members and the access to opportunity that great public transportation provides.”
As part of the state funding for the electrification, the F40 locomotives were supposed to be rendered unusable, per California state law. However, Caltrain was able to obtain a waiver from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District because of the environmental benefits of establishing a new commuter rail service in Peru. The deal was brokered with the Government of Lima, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The Caltrain F40 locomotives were built between 1985 and 1987.
“These trains have a long and proud legacy of service that we’re proud to pass along to the people of Peru,” said Caltrain Board Chair Dev Davis. “The F40s hold a special place in the heart of train enthusiasts, and there’s no better task for them than to keep helping people get where they need to go.”
