I can’t tell if this is proposed final build out or initial start of service. My problem with the commuter rail before was the lack of trips, even under the 8-2-8-2 round trips per day, that it didn’t really sound like they wanted to build. I’m fine with this as an initial start of service, some of these corridors need some serious rebuilding before they could even start to operate service and many of them require PTC and CTC before we should really be operating passenger service. I would be seriously angry if this is the proposed final build out of all operators on these corridors.
I love this as a strategy. This can turn into a game of chicken as to who might pay for a specific project, like does NCDOT pay for something or GoTriangle, or a regional municipality, but I really like the idea of focusing on slow boring projects that will eventually open the door to slam dunk big projects. If we can get NCRR, NCDOT or some entity to double track (or triple🥺) the main from RTP through Durham, I think that would free our hand a lot regarding further expansion. I think we could justify that on Piedmont expansion, not just Commuter Rail.
Yet more I don’t get why GoTriangle doesn’t partner with NCDOT for the existing Piedmont? I feel like GoTriangle really wants to market a rail service, why not put Umo readers on the platform and say from Raleigh to Durham, pay for the Piedmont with your GoTriangle Umo Card!