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Caltrain said that its $1 fare for riders ages 5 to 18 is driving a sharp increase in youth ridership, with trips by young passengers up 26% during the first five months of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
The transit agency on July 10 reported about 355,000 youth trips from January through May and said summer travel is expected to push ridership even higher.
In 2025, youth ridership increased 35% between spring and summer, a trend officials said could make 2026 a record year for young riders.
Caltrain said about 32% of youth trips occur on weekends, nearly double the rate for other passengers.
The stations with the highest share of youth riders are College Park, Broadway, Belmont, Menlo Park, and Bayshore.
Children 4 and younger ride free.
Caltrain said riders must pay before boarding using a Clipper card, contactless credit or debit card, digital wallet, or a ticket purchased at station vending machines. Tickets are not sold onboard.
