Policy Transit COMMUTER RAIL CO T
TIME MODERATE/LO
TATE RE A IMPACT LOCAL RID OR OR C POT W O URDLE
TRA IT A E C / RI T OF WA MPO More Information: tti.tamu.edu/policy/how-to-fix-congestion SUCCESS STORIES
Description Implementation Issues Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Commuter rail provides transit to com- Park-and-Ride Lots Dallas Area Rapid Transit muters traveling from the suburbs to Transit agencies and planners should (DART) and the Fort Worth central business districts. Commuter rail consider parking needs and future Transportation Authority uses the same right-of-way as existing expansion potential when planning (The T) jointly provide the freight and passenger train tracks. stations. Trinity Railway Express (TRE) Shared Right-of-Way commuter rail service. Target Market Planners often need to negotiate the As population grows and traffic conges- privilege of using tracks with busy freight 15th most tion worsens, the commuter rail system rail operators and find adequate funding ridden is becoming more valued in metropol- for both construction and operation. commuter rail itan areas. It provides cost-efficient, system in the peak-period travel service for long-dis- Amtrak Supply nation carrying 2.1 million tance passengers. Commuter rail has a The U.S. Government Accountability passengers in 2013. high potential to attract customers that Office stated that Amtrak is experienc- drive from suburban homes to work ing chronic financial problems. There is a in the central business district or other concern that if Amtrak were to abruptly Austin, Texas activity centers during weekdays. stop, commuter rail operation would be Capital MetroRail, significantly affected. operated by How Will This Help? Development Opportunities the Capital • Increases regional mobility Economic development potential along Metropolitan and accessibility by providing a commuter rail corridors is lower than Transportation Authority since reliable, independent commuter along heavy rail or light rail because 2010, provides commuter option. commuter rail is separated from other rail service in the greater Austin • Costs less than other urban uses except at stations. area. comparable capacity additions. • Provides a comfortable alternative to driving. By 2012, system ridership reached • Reduces environmental 1 million, a 50 percent increase impacts from automobile over the previous year. commuters who switch to commuter rail.