Reno: Commuter Rail Idea

People are talking about light rail and streetcars in the Reno blogosphere right now, and in the midst of all this, an idea struck me recently that seems just too feasible to be passed up:  commuter rail along the I-80 corridor.

I alluded to commuter rail in my NWNV 2025 Report, but putting that sci-fi story aside for the moment, I'd like to toss out some more realistic ideas.

I am proposing to run CR from Reno to Fernley via Sparks and the TRIC in Phase 1 of the project.  This would be a joint venture between Lyon County and Washoe RTC.  I envision running one train an hour in each direction.

This would be a 5-year evaluation project.  Rolling stock would be used or leased diesel locos and transit cars running in two-car configuration with the option of adding on 2 more cars.  No more than 4 engines would be necessary for phase 1 unless demand could be proven.  Right-of-way would be negotiated with UPRR, in addition to at least one "courtesy siding" used for getting out of the way of other trains.

Toward the end of the evaluation period a ballot measure in the effected counties would put on the table a plan for expanding the system including dedicated, discreet right of way, new rolling stock and additional destinations. 

Demand?  Between 2000 and 2005, the population of Lyon Conty grew at a rate of 35%.  As more warehousing and other industrial activity opens up along the I-80 corridor, traffic will begin to be an issue as people from Reno and Sparks head out to those jobs on the same road as the people from Fernley and beyond are using to get to jobs in Reno-Sparks.  Residential and commercial development continues to intensify in the downtowns near railroad stations in Reno and Sparks.

Commuter rail seems a no-brainer if development along the I-80 corridor is to continue apace.  I would not suggest it if I did not think it was something that could readily and affordably be accomplished using today's infrastructure, and which could be developed out further in the future after it has proven its worth.

Comments

[Matthew Maggy]

I'm with you on the commuter rail idea, but with our state budget shortfall, I don't know how the heck we're going to pay for something of that magnitude. Any ideas?

[Ken]

Matthew, I appreciate your comment very much.

Here's what I think on the subject. Commuter rail could very well mean for the average Reno resident:

* wait for the bus
* ride bus to train
* wait for train
* get on train
* ride train to station
* wait for bus
* ride bus to destination

repeat process

Would you personally sign up for such a routine on a regular basis? If you live in Reno and answered yes, please find me 5 people who would answer the same way.

The long and short of it is, it's a pipe dream. If I were independently wealthy this service would already be running, I'd have just thrown the money at it. If I were going with a political expedience strategy I'd hope and pray a democrat got elected and wanted to fund alternative transportation infrastructure as a national backup plan.

Until then, this is free, unsolicited advice that I tried to get entered onto the public record and never received a response back. RTC is gnashing teeth trying to figure out how to run BRT up and down Virginia Street. Commuter rail will happen when I'm independently wealthy.