Caltrain is a large publicly owned train service in California. For the past few years Caltrain has been installing electrical lines above the tracks running up the San Francisco peninsula. Train electrification was proposed thirty years ago, began work seven years ago and completed in September 2024 with the retirement of diesel and replacement by electric engines.
The electric train engines have considerably better acceleration, important given the number of stops along the peninsula, and can complete the journey from San Jose to San Francisco in 30% less time than the diesel engines could. This allows trains to be scheduled more frequently.
Induced Demand
Studies have previously shown that service frequency has a significant impact on ridership, and indeed, Caltrain ridership is up 54%. On weekends it is up even more, by more than double.
We talk about the Braess paradox, where adding a lane to a busy roadway will further increase traffic and result in more congestion not less. Building massive highways doesn't resolve traffic congestion for car travel.
Yet increased ridership does not trigger the Braess paradox in train networks. Inherent in the paradox is that moving entities choose their own route, and will optimize for their individual outcome even at the expense of the whole. The trains are not making individual optimization choices, they just run faster.
Electrified Trains are Better Neighbors
As a family we enjoy a restaurant right next to the San Carlos Caltrain station, one with outdoor seating. The most recent trip there was a revelation: the electric train is quiet while getting underway, and with no diesel fumes. Electric trains fit into the cityscape more cleanly, quietly whisking passengers on their way.