Friends,
 
Below is another positive article about Commuter Rail that we thought
you might find interesting.
 
David 
  _____  

Regional commuter rail 

Options for West Valley cities the key to open gridlock 

Nov. 9, 2005 12:00 AM 

West Valley commuters may be on the verge of getting something they've
never had - options. Officials from Glendale, Peoria, Litchfield Park
and other West Valley cities are lobbying for a proposed regional
commuter rail system in hopes of helping to relieve traffic congestion.
The plan is very much in its infancy and will need to overcome some
significant hurdles before it can move forward. Many critical details
are yet to be worked out, from finding a way to pay for it to
determining the best alignment. 

Nevertheless, it is heartening to see West Valley leaders coming
together to tackle a major regional problem. Traffic may be frustrating
now, but it is sure to get exponentially worse as thousands more people
make the West Valley their home. Dealing with the challenges brought by
such a massive influx of motorists will require some innovative
thinking. Gone are the days when we can focus on building freeways to
the exclusion of everything else. Other Western states recently have
made significant investments in transportation. New Mexico expects to
have its first commuter rail line up and running by 2006, and Utah is
working on an ambitious 44-mile commuter rail extension of its popular
TRAX light-rail system. We've made a start in Arizona. Construction on a
light rail system that'll link Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa and Glendale has
just begun. But we need more investment in regional mass transit, not
less. The preliminary proposal for a commuter rail system calls for
using existing rail lines running along Grand Avenue. But railroad
companies, whose tracks are already operating at near-peak capacity with
freight traffic, have given the idea a lukewarm reception. Of all the
obstacles facing the project, this one is the most daunting. Without the
option of using existing rail lines, the cost of the project would
skyrocket. Utah, New Mexico and Colorado have spent hundreds of millions
of dollars on similar systems. Regional cooperation will be vital to the
project's success. Working together, West Valley cities can leverage
their political and economic resources to help make it a reality.
Gridlock is more than frustrating; it undermines our quality of life.
Many of America's most dynamic and livable cities offer alternatives to
the stop-and-go lifestyle. So should ours. West Valley leaders have
demonstrated their willingness to work together in forging solutions to
the region's freeway issues. Now is the time to expand the focus and
make the commuter rail project a top priority.