The Peninsula Commute, also known as the Southern Pacific Peninsula or just Peninsula, was the common name for commuter rail service between San Jose, California and San Francisco, California on the San Francisco Peninsula. This service ran as a private, for-profit enterprise beginning in 1863. Due to operating losses, the Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) petitioned to discontinue the service in 1977. Subsidies were provided through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in 1980 to continue service, and it was renamed Caltrain.
West (railroad north) of Santa Clara, a Southern Pacific EMD SD9E #4451 leads a two-car train before the Caltrain takeover
In 1978/79, SP leased several GE P30CHs from Amtrak to operate the Peninsula Commute. 4th & King (October, 1978)
Last days of SP equipment, including these "Suburban" single-level coaches at 22nd Street (April 1985)
Changing of the guard: SP No. 3199 leads Caltrain No. 903 out of San Francisco (August 1985)
Southern Pacific Transportation Company
The Southern Pacific was an American Class I railroad network that existed from 1865 to 1996 and operated largely in the Western United States. The system was operated by various companies under the names Southern Pacific Railroad, Southern Pacific Company and Southern Pacific Transportation Company.
An EMD FP7 leads a Pacific Rail Society Special through Floriston, California, in February 1971.
SP 4449 underway, wearing the Daylight scheme (April 1981)
SP 4294 "cab-forward" locomotive
Restored SP #18 operational at Laws
