Commuter Rail Market now open

I was reading through my file on commuter rail and started chuckling to myself -- I was struck by how commentators, including me, write and talk about commuter rail.

All of us have found railroad metaphors irresistible. We always use phrases like "Commuter rail is on track!" In reference to the Commuter Rail Study, we say "the train is leaving the station, so get on board" or "the whistle has sounded -- don’t be left at the station."

Besides being a bit corny (no fatal flaw in our agricultural county), the train imagery has an underlying problem. It seems to imply that the decision to build commuter rail has been made and all that remains are the details.

That misleading impression might discourage citizen participation at a time we most need their energy and involvement.

We are now starting the Commuter Rail Feasibility Study. That effort will be a careful, documented, objective study to enable the public and elected officials to answer one key, preliminary question: Can commuter rail be a part of a realistic solution in Dane County’s growing traffic congestion?

If the analysis indicates yes, a second, more detailed study will then furnish citizens and policy-makers with the specific information to make the final decisions on whether commuter rail fits in Dane County and, if so, what form it will take and at what cost.

This second study, the Major Investment Study, would feature detailed analyses of all the facets of commuter rail and include extensive comparisons of commuter rail with many other forms of transportation improvements.

Commuter rail usually refers to the use of traditional train equipment to move commuters to and from work in a large metropolitan area. Some rail advocates argue for implementing this sort of system on existing tracks ASAP.

But I have been amazed to find out how many other transportation options exist.

New generations of commuter rail (one is called "Regio Sprinter") are being developed in other places – using lighter bodies, improved speed, and greater fuel efficiency.

Another technology called Personal Rapid Transit utilizes individual computerized units running on a common track, combining much of the automobile’s convenience with mass transit’s traffic-relieving ability.

Yet another alternative is light rail, the modern version of the trolley, which some advocates say would offer the fastest, most convenient service.

Besides the "type" of technology, there are questions of "when and where" the systems should go. Many communities have created popular, affordable new transit systems by phasing in the new systems where demand is highest and costs most controllable. Similarly, we may chose to do a "starter" system here, with possible future expansions as density and financial projections warrant.

And throughout this discussion we need citizens at the table who ask: "Who’s going to pay for all this?" or "Can we afford all these improvements?" Alternatively, what are the costs if we don’t find a role for commuter rail in our future?

Now is the time for citizens who know and care about these options or who want to learn about them to join this discussion. I bet that with hard work and lots of good ideas, we can have a system that combines lots of the good features of the different transportation options.

As I searched for the image that conveys what is going on with commuter rail, I recognized it was at my doorstep: the Farmers’ Market. Farmers from across Dane County show up every spring, summer, and fall Saturday to sell just about every imaginable variety of vegetable, fruit, cheese and bakery. Almost 20,000 shoppers respond every week to this wonderful variety by mingling, people-watching and buying.

The Market is based on lots of people gathering with lots of choices in a genuinely interesting, enjoyable setting. And that’s where commute rail is at right now – there are lots of fascinating options with time for careful but fun shopping for just the right choice for Dane County.

The Farmer’s Market, alas, will not return for another five months. But the first opportunity for public input into the feasibility study occurs now. Please come to the first Commuter Rail Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Dane County Exhibition Hall (Mendota Room 3).

From 5 to 6 p.m., there will be an open house with displays. From 6 to 7 p.m., the consultants working on the study will make a presentation. There will be ample opportunity for the public to ask questions and comment on what commuter rail should or should not be.

The Commuter Rail Market is about to open; come on down and join your fellow citizens in looking over the goods and choosing the best transportation bargain for Dane County.