Hmmm? I’ve probably missed something here. I thought that the whole Wake Transit Plan commuter rail was going to be home funded. I didn’t think that we were going to chase after federal New Starts money again.
[Update: I guess I answered my question. We’re going for FTA Core Investment Grant funding. Oy!]
And, here’s the Power Point presentation made by GoTriangle updated today…
Take away message: ‘The North Carolina Railroad is built for the service it currently offers. Added capacity, including commuter rail, would require additional infrastructure, including added tracks.’
This would be potentially up to 37 miles of added track capacity for the NCRR granted through GoTriangle. Kinda huge as it would be a win-win for both agencies because it would be expected that the commuter rail equipment would meet FRA’s 49 CFR Part 238 regulation and share the line - whether it be DMU or engine-pulled coaches. GoTriangle would get priority scheduling on their track. And, NCRR will get some additional line capacity through Wake and Durham counties.
This was where TTA Regional Rail and DOLRT were both totally screwed due to their planned use of FRA 49 CFR Part 238 non-compliant equipment. Both systems would have encroached on the host railroad’s rights-of-way with no benefit to the freight carrier.
And, Duke doesn’t have a single thing to say about this.
We just might see this happen!!!