Electrification of CalTrain by overhead caternary promises significant benefits to regional transportation. It would make CalTrain faster, quieter, cleaner, cheaper to operate, and more reliable. Electrification, because it provides powerful acceleration and braking, would decrease travel times. This would allow speeds of 100 mph south of San Jose and nearly as fast along the Peninsula and East Bay. Below 110 mph the presence of grade crossings has little effect on how fast trains can travel.
Electrification also reduces costs.
And that does not take into consideration the increased ridership from faster and more reliable service. Another major benefit is increased reliability that electric engines provide. With fewer moving parts and less wear on the wheels due to more efficient braking, costs and time out of service are reduced both for the engines and the passenger cars. Also there would be reduced air pollution, noise and vibration to business and residents along the route. The existing diesel locomotives could be reused for additional service such as to Oakland, Altamont Pass or Monterey.