Tri-Rail electrification would be a slam dunk

Inspired by Caltrain, which has managed to cut travel times and massively increase service and ridership through electrification, SFRTA should look into electrifying the TR corridor.

Most of TR's trackage is owned by FDOT, so no freight railroads can complain. Electric trains accelerate/decelerate faster, are more energy-efficient, are quieter, save on operating costs, and don't emit pollutants.

Grade-separating and electrifying TR would allow it to transform from a commuter rail service to a high-frequency regional rapid transit system (similar to BART/Caltrain). Brightline electrification would also allow it to run better regional service and prepare for eventual HSR operations.

Ideally, TR electrification would mean an overhead line going thru the entire corridor with EMUs running underneath, but partial electrification with BEMUs could also work: the trains run under wire in the core section and then run off battery in the outskirts.