Caltrain has been named the fastest-growing transit system in the country by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), posting a 56% ridership increase to top the agency's Transit Wrapped 2025 list among mid-size U.S. transit systems.

The recognition was highlighted at the San Mateo County Transit District Board of Directors meeting Wednesday, Sept. 2. The designation applies to agencies handling between 3 million and 15 million annual trips, according to Railway Age.

Caltrain's own numbers show similar momentum in fiscal year 2026: the railroad provided more than 12.5 million rides, with average weekday ridership breaking 40,000 for the first time — a 36.9% increase over the previous fiscal year — according to a Caltrain press release published July 19.

Weekend ridership hit roughly 150% of pre-pandemic levels. Game-day trains for Giants, Sharks and Warriors events saw ridership climb 30% to more than 50% above the previous season, according to SamTrans board materials.

Caltrain started fiscal year 2026 at 64.4% of pre-pandemic ridership. By year's end, it had climbed to 81.5%. Monthly ridership crossed one million in March 2026, the earliest that milestone has been reached since electrified service launched in 2024.

Rider satisfaction surveys hit a record 4.5 out of 5.

The growth follows Caltrain's switch from diesel to electric trains, completed in 2024. The new fleet enabled faster acceleration and half-hourly weekend service.

"That's what's bringing more people on every day, and we have room for everyone else who's tired of gridlock on the highways," Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard said in a July 19 press release.

The ridership boom has also broadened who rides. Thirty-seven percent of riders are low-income, and 10% are youth, seniors or people with disabilities, according to the Sept. 2 board presentation. A $1 Youth Fare now gives riders under 18 a cheaper option.

San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa celebrated the APTA recognition when it was first announced in December 2025, calling it "big news for San Mateo County and our entire region" on X.

@davidcanepa: "Big news for San Mateo County and our entire region, @Caltrain has just been ranked the fastest-growing transit agency in the entire country for 2025, and I couldn't be more proud."

Still, the agency's own ridership report carries a warning. Even with record growth, fare revenue alone cannot sustain operations, and Caltrain says additional funding is needed to maintain service levels.

The SamTrans Board of Directors meets Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. at 166 North Rollins Road in Millbrae.