September 21st will mark a significant milestone in transportation history: the beginning of Caltrain’s electrified service. This transition from a diesel-powered fleet that has been in service for decades to electric trains is a major step forward for sustainable transportation in the Bay Area and beyond.

Passenger rail service on the Caltrain corridor has existed for more than 160 years. Initially, steam trains were operated by the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad until Southern Pacific took over the railroad in 1870. After more than 100 years of private operation, the railroad came under public management in 1980 by the California Department of Transportation and in 1992 by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board after purchasing the rights-of-way.

The first serious discussions about electrifying the corridor began in 1976, when Bay Area government entities considered taking over the rail corridor.

Now, nearly 50 years later, Caltrain electrification is finally becoming a reality. Electric trains will provide faster, quieter, more frequent service for passengers on the Peninsula. The new service will improve commutes for thousands of current riders and attract new ones by reducing travel times.

In addition to faster service, a major benefit of electrification is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. According to Caltrain, electrified service will reduce municipal emissions by 250,000 MTCO2 — the equivalent of taking 55,000 cars off the road. It’s a significant step toward meeting California’s ambitious climate goals.

In addition to the local benefits, Caltrain’s electrification has the potential to inspire other areas to undertake similar initiatives. As one of the first major commuter railroads in the United States to complete electrification in the modern era, Caltrain can serve as an example for other areas.

Regions with similar transit corridors, such as Metrolink in Southern California, could look to Caltrain as a proof of concept. The benefits of electrification include reduced travel times and reduced emissions, which could help other regions with transit corridors ripe for growth.

The electrification of Caltrain is not just the result of modern technology—it is the culmination of five decades of vision, perseverance, and leadership, even when times were tough. The journey from the first studies in the 1970s to where we are today has not been easy. It took leaders who believed in the vision and had the courage to fight for it, even when faced with numerous setbacks and challenges.

As Caltrain enters a new era, it is important to recognize electrification not only as a milestone for the Bay Area, but as an example of what is possible for public transit systems across the country. This historic transformation is not just a victory for Caltrain riders, but for sustainable public transit everywhere.

San José Spotlight Columnist Monica Mallon is a transit advocate and commuter in Santa Clara County. Her column appears the first Thursday of every other month. Contact Monica at (email protected) or follow @MonicaMallon on Twitter.