Abstract

Planners view commuter rail as a means of managing urban sprawl, stimulating economic development and reducing the environmental impacts of transportation. Commuter rail systems, which use shared rights-of-way to connect suburban hubs with downtown urban centers, are beginning to have a large impact on the way people and freight move through US cities. Currently, there are 26 commuter rail systems operating in 29 major U.S. metropolitan areas. However, there is confusion among the general public and disagreement among transportation organizations as to what constitutes a commuter rail system and how to classify some rail systems. This research establishes a complete and definitive list of U.S. commuter rail systems, situates commuter rail in the context of U.S. rail systems at-large and establishes a ‘new start’ and ‘legacy’ classification for commuter rail. Included in this report are profiles of all U.S. commuter rail systems, highlighting governance, financing, ridership and service area demographics. This research also traces the historical development of commuter rail and the best practices employed by ‘new start’ commuter rail systems. This includes highlighting shared-corridor acquisition practices and highlighting policy mobility practices.

Report Date

5-2013

Report Number

KTC-13-18/UTCNURAIL1-12-1F

Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.13023/KTC.RR.2013.18

Notes

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Kentucky Transportation Center or of the NuRail Center. This report does not constitute a standard, specification or regulation.

© 2013 University of Kentucky, Kentucky Transportation Center

Information may not be used, reproduced, or republished without our written consent.

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