Newbie on Cal Train, SF to Mountain View

[bosterweil]

I'm about to starting riding Caltrain from SF to Mountain View for my commute. I've found the bike map for Mountain View, so I know where and how I'm going. My question for experts is about the bike capacity of trains. Caltrains website has a lot of info about why they can't expand capacity. It's enough to scare me into my car (I can't afford to wait half an hour for another train). How often do you have to wait for the next train? Alternatively, how early do you have to get there to ensure a spot on a rush hour train?

[briank]

I am no expert.. I have my ACE train figured out from Fremont to Santa Clara. I have heard when the ACE train reaches capacity in the bike cars, you are able to stand for the ride with your bike..

[jimples]

In my experience, Caltrain isn't too strict about bike capacity; I've been standing on the platform with more than 32 other bikes just at the one station-stop in Mountain View, and never has a conductor stopped people from boarding.

Your mileage may vary, of course, but getting there a bit early is never a bad idea.

[briank]

It's enough to scare me into my car (I can't afford to wait half an hour for another train).
Don't let it stop you from the good thing you are doing, give it a chance, I am confident it will work out..

[uspspro]

Getting on in SF you'll be good.

Coming home from Mtn View is *usually* okay. I've only been not allowed on twice (both in the AM at Hillsdale going Southbound).

Luckily, I have a train I can catch that comes 6 mins later, and get's to SJ just 15 mins later.

What time do you have to be in by/leave from Mt View by? I use to commute to Mt View from Hillsdale. I don't see why missing a train will make you a 1/2 hour late.

The come in clusters. One after the other, and then a gap, and then a group again.

If you try to get to the station one train earlier (only a few mins), and the next one will be your backup.