Toll revenue funds have been allocated by the Regional Toll Revenue Funding Initiative to help fund the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) passenger rail project study. It is hoped that the funding, which came from State Highway 121 toll proceeds, will help ensure a timelier implementation of the commuter rail service.
The study, spearheaded by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), will examine elements such as ridership, economics, route schedules and future project funding to help provide area residents with a north-south mass transit option on the BNSF rail line.
Irving has partnered with NCTCOG and several area cities to conduct the study that would unite Irving, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Plano and Frisco along 29.4 miles of existing freight rail. Initial plans call for several stations along the rail line from Irving to Frisco.
“Our partnership with these area cities will help bring the commuter line through Irving sooner rather than later to help address issues such as traffic congestion and pollution,” said City Manager Tommy Gonzalez. “The convenience of this commuter rail also would help support job growth by providing area residents with another mass transit option.”
- Benefits of the commuter rail project include:
- Provide efficient transportation by creating a north-south rail line to minimize travel time for commuters.
- Reduce congestion on interstates and highways and improve air quality.
- Enhance the region’s multimodal capabilities.
- Increase economic development opportunities.
- Improve quality of life for North Texas residents.
- Create more transit-oriented development opportunities and provide ridership revenues.
NCTCOG is in the process of selecting project team members to participate in the study. The team is expected to be finalized by early October.
For more information on the BNSF rail project study, contact Melissa Baker at ebaker@cityofirving.org or (972) 721-4846.
Posted Sept. 26