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Is Commuter Rail Feasible?

April 26, 2017Commuter feasible rail

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Is Commuter Rail Feasible?

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In recent studies (ADOT Phase I, 2007 and Phase II, 2008), the Arizona Department of Transportation concluded that conventional rail with minor upgrades is the most feasible alternative to pursue between Phoenix and Tucson because it is the least costly and would take the shortest time to place in operation. This would involve making minor improvements to existing freight track and right-of-way, and using trains similar to existing Amtrak trains. Annual ridership on the Phoenix-Tucson route is projected to be about 1 million riders per year. Here are other facts to help determine the potential size of this passenger-rail market: • I-10 traffic between Phoenix and Tucson in 2008 averaged 45,000 vehicles per day. • Greyhound operates 16 one-way trips per day (8 each from Phoenix and Tucson). • Arizona Shuttle primarily serves airline passengers and operates 36 one-way trips per day (18 each from Phoenix and Tucson) and transports more than 100,000 passengers per year. • The Tucson Airpor