Commuter rail is passenger rail service that is designed to transport large volumes of passengers over long distances in a fast and comfortable manner. One of the challenges to the development of new commuter rail lines in Middle Tennessee is that the most desirable rail corridors are CSX lines that have very heavy freight traffic. Except for the Nashville and Eastern line that is used for Music City Star service, and with the possible exception of a Clarksville line, other potential commuter rail lines would be CSX lines that are heavily used for freight traffic. It will be extremely difficult to significantly expand commuter rail in Middle Tennessee in the foreseeable future. Longer term, this situation may change.
I know we can’t do subways like Chicago or New York, but I do think an elevated is possible. Nashville roads are designed like a wagon wheel with many spokes, running an elevated around Old Hickory would connect Madison, west Nashville, and south Nashville, Whites creek, and other areas. Then have a FEW select runs from somewhat greater distances, say Goodlettsville or even as far as Gallatin, running north, south, east, and west, this follows in line with our interstate system making for ease way appropriation not as difficult as some other choices. Speeds along these corridors can reach 55 to 70Mph & they can carry hundreds of passengers. Have a connecting bus at local stops, would enhance attraction, A person leaving Gallatin and arriving downtown or vice versa in say under 45 min stress-free, and not being exposed to much to the weather. That can be accomplished for about $10 a day.
Totally concur with Ellen-
How an other cities like San Diego, Dallas, Baltimore, and so on- get the federal monies and clearance to move or add rails? This is such a no-brainer….
The only REAL solution to our infrastructure traffic overload and allowing our periphery to provide the quality sites for further high end growth and relocation???
C’mon we had such a wonderful history with the trains. As a Child I remember our family holiday riding to from Union Station to Miami.
WE NEED RAIL NOW….
you need high speed over head elec. express from Clarksville, murfreesboro,Dickson, gallation, this would open roads with less traffic that is a daily problem, service heavy in rush hours, more buses are not the answer.
I couldn’t rrfrain from commenting. Well written!
Allow for more shuttles to cover populated areas such as Centennial Area, HCA Area, St. Thomas West, These areas have never been covered and I am sure there are a lot of potential riders. Have better shuttle service to Metro Center. These areas could use an Access Van Sized Shuttle. Bring the Green Route back to Riverfront so downtown people can get to the train station. Implement a new free route to cover an east to west route in downtown that does not focus on the Gulch.