The electric trains are a bit faster, but still slower than something like BART.
My main issues with Caltrain are the cost (public transit shouldn’t be more expensive than driving) and the schedule: depending on the station, missing a train can mean waiting 30-60 minutes.
also the Peninsula isn’t really built around trains. I still have to drive 5-10 minutes just to get to the station, then wait, then ride at that point it’s easier to just drive the whole way. If I lived within walking distance, I might use the train way more.
Last mile connectivity is my issue as well! I live near a VTA light rail stop but taking that almost doubles my trip time to SF.
Yeah my plan is to try Waymo as the last mile. Just idea right now but it sounds like a reasonable alternative to driving.