Next city/metro to gain commuter rail system? (best, state, better)
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I thought Denver was the next city with a Commuter rail system roll out into its suburbs.
I also think many people mix the meaning of what a Commuter rail system is technically.
Just because rail is going into the suburbs does not mean it is commuter rail. It is a certain type of heavy rail and is technically different from light rail or rapid transit type subway systems.
The largest commuter rail networks in the nation are:
1) NYC - MTA (LI & North) & NJ Transit
2) Chicago - Metra
3) Philadelphia - SEPTA
Technically light rail systems are not commuter rail systems. They operate differently. So I am not sure if the poll above is accurate.
I vote Denver, which is missing from the poll.
Last edited by rowhomecity; 03-27-2021 at 09:37 PM..
Then voters did approve to fund it and it will have some Federal subsidies..... up to a 9+billion $$$ plan over decade I believe.
It is a lot more then light-rail though.... includes bike lanes to new bus moving etc. Though for a smaller city it is impressive that it seems like a go.
Then voters did approve to fund it and it will have some Federal subsidies..... up to a 9+billion $$$ plan over decade I believe.
It is a lot more then light-rail though.... includes bike lanes to new bus moving etc. Though for a smaller city it is impressive that it seems like a go.
Capital MetroRail is commuter rail. My take on the OP's question is who might be adding commuter rail for the first time.
Out of these, I would say Atlanta, which already has the superior train transit out of the choices, makes the most sense. Though, when I lived briefly in Clayton County about 15 years ago, I remember being talk of a commuter service from downtown to Macon through the train line that went through Jonesboro, Lovejoy, Hampton, Griffin, etc., but it was shot down by the residents in those mentioned areas.
But Atlanta has changed drastically in that time and I would think that if that same proposal (not sure if it is still even an option) would have a lot better chance of happening now, on top of additional services to the northern parts of the metro.
Cleveland actually had commuter service in the past, ironically to Youngstown. I say ironically because Cleveland-Akron-Canton service would have made more sense rather than Youngstown. I'm not saying that it's likely, but there is at least some talk of getting commuter service from Cleveland-Akron-Canton via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which does run touristy type trips. But the line is there if there ever was a serious push to make it a commuter system.
Out of these options, Cleveland probably makes the next best sense since, like Atlanta, it already has heavy rail service and there is a clear option to link it to Akron-Canton route. Unfortunately, Ohio is one of the most anti-rail states (due to the gerrymandered districts that cater to the rural areas) so unless huge federal money is involved, will be very hard to make happen. Cleveland's current heavy rail line is funded almost entirely through local and federal funds.
What city do you think will add a commuter system in the near future?
My guess would be Atlanta. Detroit has had commuter rail in the past and could jumpstart something more quickly, but it seems the priority will be intercity. GoTriangle (NC Triangle) is also exploring Commuter Rail, although I'm not familiar with the politics/support.
Another fun question...which cities/regions should really be pursuing commuter rail more actively?
- Phoenix/Tuscon
- Charlotte
- Las Vegas!!!
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