Transportation officials in Northern Nevada are considering utilizing existing rail lines to create transportation opportunities for commuters from Reno to the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center.
Currently, officials are pursuing a feasibility study. The study is funded by both public and private entities.
The Boring Company is also exploring the prospect of an independent study to create a tunnel to serve commuters. The company is currently working on an underground tunnel transportation service in Southern Nevada dubbed the Vegas Loop. (NVBEX; Jan. 19)
The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County noted it has solely focused on the existing rail line. The study comes as the Regional Rail Transit Advisory Working Group recently held the first meeting since its inception.
The Regional Rail Transit Advisory Working Group was officially established after the approval of Assembly Bill 256. The bill is intended to consider mass transit via rail throughout the state’s large metropolitan areas. Additionally, it is to consider funding sources for rail lines.
Approximately 20,000 people work at TRIC. The interstate connecting Reno with the industrial center only has two lanes on each side. There’s also the rail line, which is owned by Union Pacific Railroad.
Utilizing the existing rail line would be significantly cheaper than laying new tracks. In March of last year, WSP was commissioned to consider alternative transportation options for commuters. This includes a commuter rail line but will also consider other possibilities.
The $800K study is expected to be completed sometime this quarter. The study was funded by RTC Washoe, the Nevada Department of Transportation, Storey County, Tesla and Panasonic.
The study will consider capital costs, operational costs and potential ridership. If the RTC plans to use the rail line, it must receive approval from Union Pacific Railroad.
A formal presentation of the feasibility study is slated to be shared later this year. (Source)
