Caltrain almost back to normal; apologizes with free rides

Although trains are running slowly as of 2:30 p.m., CalTrain is expected to return to normal by this evening's commute. If you recall, all choo-choos came to a halt this morning after a "system-wide signal interruption." As an extended olive branch, CalTrain will offer riders free rides for the rest of the day. Rides will be on the house until 1:30 a.m. Friday. Also, Caltrain tickets can be honored on SamTrans buses and on VTA routes 22 and 522. (Can you imagine if Muni started being this kind to riders? They'd be in financial ruins in less that a week. Well, more than they already are, that is.)