It’s well-documented that the Treasure Valley is keen on passenger rail, even if we’re afraid of getting burned by a plan falling through (again). But if an interstate rail is too big for us in the short-term, what about a commuter rail between Treasure Valley cities?
Beginning last year, the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho, or Compass, conducted a study to assess new public transit options from Caldwell to Boise. They considered three proposals: Bus rapid transit (BRT) on Fairview Avenue and Franklin Road, BRT on I-84 and the Connector, and a commuter rail called the Boise Cutoff.
Idaho Statesman reporter Rose Evans covered the study’s release, and she joined City Cast Boise to break down its potential.
There’s kind of a question of ‘how bad can traffic get before people are more willing to get behind an alternative like rail?’
Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman Reporter
The red line would have added a bus line to I-8th, the green would have added buses along arterial roads, and the blue is the Boise Cutoff. (Compass Idaho)
When Compass surveyed the public, the “definitive” popularity of rail over other forms of alternative transportation surprised the agency, which has a board of directors composed of Treasure Valley mayors, county officials, and other public officials.
How Would It Work?
Logistically, there’s a lot that would have to be accomplished on an infrastructure level for this commuter rail to happen. There’s purchasing the trains themselves, for one. But there’s also the issue of the railroad tracks.
For the majority of the Boise Cutoff route, there’s only one track, and the continuous use of both freight and commuter rails would require an additional track be built at least fifteen feet away from the current freight track. Additionally, many bridges couldn’t accommodate adding a second track, and would have to be restructured.
All of that and much more requires funding — an estimated $2.5 billion. But Compass was quick to say those are rough estimates, and costs could be decreased with more detailed planning.
What this study sets Compass up to do is apply for Federal Transit Administration grants, which has a category called New Starts that offers funding for projects over $400 million.
Once up and running, the commuter rail would connect the Boise Depot to Caldwell, and tack on the existing bus route from the Depot to downtown Boise. During peak traffic hours, a train could carry you on your commute every 15 minutes. During off hours, the trains would run every hour.
