Study backers acknowledge the study's release "comes just ahead of a decision by state lawmakers on high speed rail funding that could provide critical early investment for the electrification and modernization project."

House Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), a supporter and critic of the Golden State's effort to establish a statewide high speed rail network, has scheduled a press conference at Sequoia Caltrain Station in Redwood City, Calif., Tuesday to mark the study's release. Eshoo has pushed for "a blended system that integrates high speed rail with a 21st century Caltrain."

Late last March, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission approved an agreement for a $1.5 billion plan to electrify Caltrain, install an advanced train-control system, and replace its passenger railcar fleet using a combination of high-speed rail bond money and local, regional, and state transportation funds.