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Caltrain plans to conduct a series of feasibility studies to determine whether the electrification of the commuter-rail system can be designed to meet Caltrain’s future needs, while also accommodating initial high-speed rail operations on California’s Peninsula Corridor.

The studies will mark the first time an independent analysis of Caltrain’s infrastructure needs will be conducted with the focus of “possible additional elements that could be necessary to operate an initial level of high-speed rail service in the future on Caltrain right of way,” Caltrain officials said in a prepared statement.

After California received approval for billions of dollars in state and federal funds for high-speed rail service, Caltrain joined the California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) to co-plan, design and build the project between San Francisco and San Jose.

However, in 2010, after the Central Valley was chosen as the starting point for the project, Caltrain officials announced they would reexamine their approach and called on the CHSRA to study a phased implementation of high-speed rail on the Peninsula.

The CHSRA’s board is scheduled to review the possibility of a phased approach at its May meeting.

“The concept of phased implementation has merit,” said Marian Lee, Caltrain’s executive officer for planning and development.