Here's the down and dirty info that came from the recently released feasibility study for the proposed U.S. 23 commuter rail line commonly known as WALLY.
- The commuter rail project is feasible
- 16 month timeline before service can begin
- 24 steps need to be taken to initiate service
- $32.4 million in start-up costs
- $6.3 million in operating costs
- Fare box is project to cover 30 percent of operating costs
- Ridership estimated at 1,300
The hope is to get WALLY up and running before planned improvements on U.S. 23 will once again bring traffic to a standstill in 2010. The next step is for RL Banks & Associates to publicly present the findings to both Washtenaw and Livingston counties on August 6 and 7.
"We're just really digesting the report," says Terri Blackmore, executive director of the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study.
Among the things they are pondering is how to fund the initiative (organizers are working with the local congressional delegations to get federal funds) and what improvements need to be made to just get it started. The $32 million number would fund a wide range of improvements that would allow the trains to travel at 60 mph and provide more parking facilities.
"Some people are concerned that we don't need a lot of these improvements," Blackmore says.
Action also needs to be taken sooner rather than later. This includes setting up an authority for WALLY and other foundational support so that work can begin in time for next year's construction season. The longer local leaders wait to set up WALLY the further it pushes back the 16 month timeline.
But local leaders are still optimistic that the project can become a reality as gas prices climb higher and traffic becomes more congested on U.S. 23 --which often overruns its capacity during rush hour. The commuter line would mirror the highway, with stops on Ann Arbor's north side, Whitmore Lake, Hamburg Township, Genoa Township and Howell. Unfortunately, Ann Arbor Railroad is not cooperating with the project, so a short spur into downtown is unavailable.
A key supporter of the rail line is the Great Lakes Central Railroad, which
controls the tracks along the corridor and wants to set up the service --a far better situation than never-ending Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter rail project, where more than half a dozen railroads control the track between the two cities.
"There is a lot of opportunity to move this forward," Blackmore says. "It's all about whether the community wants to do it."
Source: Terri Blackmore, executive director of the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study
Writer: Jon Zemke
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