Caltrain says the EMUs will replace around 75% of its fleet of diesel locomotives and coaches on the route under the Caltrain Modernisation Programme, which is due to be completed by 2019. The cost of the project is estimated at $US 1.2bn, including $US 440m for the new train fleet.

The board of Caltrain issued a request for information to suppliers in May for the procurement of EMUs. However, the project has not yet been approved and Caltrain says a formal request for proposals will not be issued until the scheme has been granted environmental clearance, which is expected before the end of the year.