The Alameda Corridor is a rather short run by RR standards, with relatively short blocks to maximize capacity, and most of it is on a gradient of around or over 1%. Excessive fuel consumption uphill to slow and go through the "plant" at Old Redondo and switch to the UP or BNSF Mainlines would be wasteful. Controlling heavy tonnage, at higher speeds, on the downhill leg to the harbor, with short blocks, would be wasteful, as well.

FYI... Several studies have been done examining electrification of rail freight and passenger operations in the late 1980's and into the mid 1990's, including the Alameda Corridor. All of these found reductions of air pollution, but at very significant costs per ton of emssions reduced. Back then, a typical freight locomotive generated about 35 grams of NOx emissions per brake horse power, today's locomotives generate less than 5.6 grams per brake horsepower. Hence, the railroad's current interest in clean fuel technologies, and after treatment devices.