Coalition awaits further study on commuter rail prospect

A coalition of local officials is pushing forward on a study to find the necessary funding for a commuter rail line that would run along the Grand Avenue corridor, linking to other parts of the Valley.

The Grand Avenue Coalition, made up of West Valley and Phoenix leaders, met Monday at Rio Vista Recreation Center in Peoria to listen to updates from the Maricopa County Association of Governments on a proposed commuter rail line.

Peoria Councilman Ron Aames said it’s important to address the transportation needs of the area.

"We believe that it’s a possibility and absolutely necessary for this to happen," Aames said.

Rick Pilgrim, a spokesman for environmental firm URS, said a commuter rail study will be finished and released by the beginning of next year.

"This is happening because of the pressures with growth and, even with the economic downturn, it’s still important," Pilgrim said. "We must find ways to deal with transportation in the West Valley."

Commuter rail is larger, heavier and roomier than light rail, Pilgrim said. It travels at a higher speed and emphasizes park-and-rides. The system proposed by MAG would use existing rail lines, including the Burlington Northern Santa Fer Railway line along Grand Avenue. The BNSF commuter line would connect downtown Phoenix to Wickenburg with at least eight stations along the way, covering a distance of approximately 54 miles.

The MAG proposal for commuter rail would use existing railway lines across the Valley, with the possibility of new construction in five places, including a new railway west of the Valley running north-south along the Hassayampa River.

Pilgrim said some preliminary studies have been made on the commuter system, which would average a speed of 45 mph between stops.

In addition, planners have looked at other cities with commuter rails, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle and Dallas.

The system could be in place by 2030.

In February, the coalition is expected to meet again to review the final study.

Aames said it’s important for the coalition to begin looking for possible funding of the project through various federal grants.

LaTonya Finch, regional manager of economic development at Burlington, Northern, Santa Fe Railway, a partner in the coalition, said her company has an obligation to make sure the area has the best transportation possible.