The city of Madison came one step closer to having its very own rail system at a meeting Wednesday afternoon, as members of Dane County's Transport 2020 Implementation Task Force learned new information regarding what such a system would entail.
The meeting focused on newly updated estimates regarding ridership and capital costs of such a system.
"The purpose is to be able to bring more people to the downtown, because our downtown is going to be totally congested with vehicles at some point," said Ken Golden, co-chair of the committee. "I think it's moving along nicely, and I think it's presenting some really good options for the region."
Discussion at the meeting was concentrated on the two main routes being considered for the rail system. Although both would be based from U.S. Highway 12/14, one alternative would extend out to Reiner Road, while another would run to the Dane County Regional Airport.
Kimon Proussaloglou, a consultant from Cambridge Systematics, said the frequency of the rail service for the Reiner route would be every 20 minutes during peak times, and every 40 minutes during off-peak times. The airport route would run every 15 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively.
"Despite the less frequent service, however, [the Reiner route] would generate more riders," Proussaloglou said.
According to studies, the city could expect a daily ridership of up to 10,690 on the Reiner route, whereas the airport route is only expected to generate 8,350 each day.
"[The Reiner route] is a double track, while [the airport route] is principally a single track, and the service is in opposing directions," said Bob Moore, HNTB.
According to project manager Ben Kinney, however, the capital cost range for each route is also a major factor, as the Reiner route would range from $233 to $285 million, while the airport route would range from $196 to $237 million. Kinney also said that the annual operating cost of the Reiner route, $10.4 million, would be greater than that of the airport's, $7.8 million.
"The issue is going to be if this will be a good investment," Golden said. "Right now we're seeing the cost, but we're not seeing any of the offsetting funding that might be available, other than the tax funding. For example, we haven't put fares in the mix or federal aid."
This Transport 2020 study exploring the possibility of a rail system in Madison is occurring at the same time as discussion regarding the proposed trolley system for the downtown area.
According to George Twigg, communications director for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, all of the systems need to be evaluated together to decide the best alternative for Madison.
"The mayor supports continuing to study both commuter rail and streetcars and the future of the bus system," Twigg said. "All should be looked at in combination."
The Transport 2020 Implementation Task Force will continue to weigh the city's options for transportation with the help of the community at a public information meeting May 3 at Monona Terrace. The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m., with a presentation beginning at 6 p.m.
