Could Milwaukeeans be boarding an inexpensive commuter rail system to Chicago in the next two years?

That possibility took a big step forward with the recommendations made last week by the Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee Rail Technical Advisory Committee.

The committee voted against the option of using buses as the best way to provide a mass transit alternative in southeastern Wisconsin, opening the way for the extension of the Illinois Metra system from its northern terminus in Kenosha. The committee also voted against not doing anything, which was also an alternative.

Federal and state funds will provide the funding for the capital improvements. But the main problem remains findng sufficient operating revenue. Even with fare box revenues, the system will be challenged to be profitable.

The Regional Transportation Authority created by the state Legislature last session will have a revenue stream of $2 per vehicle rented in the three-county area. But that will likely fall somewhat short of the revenue goals.

An increase in daily trips from seven to 14 in the new corridor could be a major factor, said Rosemary Potter, executive director for Transit Now, a group that advocates for the KRM extension.

Potter called the committee's decision to push for rail a "good sign."

She believes the rail service, which would use existing rails that carried passenger trains from Milwaukee to Chicago, could be ready for passengers by 2009. If that happens, the project could be eligible for federal funds as the trains could help relieve congestion caused by the rebuilding of Intestate 94, from the Mitchell Interchange to the state line.

The committee decided that rail was the best option, even though it is more expensive than a bus system alternative that was also considered. The committee determined that rail service would increase land values all along the corridor and be as efficient as buses, if start-up costs are not taken into account.

The committee is also planning to hold a series of public hearings to get residential input. They are expected to be held from Milwaukee through to Kenosha in the next few months.

Potter said public support will be needed at those session is the Federal Transit Administration is to deem the project worthy of funding.

"These next six months are critical and will determine whether this rail service can move forward or not," Potter said.

There are several federal deadline that must be met, including the passage of federally mandated transit-oriented plans by the Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee city councils and county boards by the end of the year.

"Also, in January or February, the RTA will need to identify how they will fund commuter rail," Potter said. "People have to get involved now and let their elected officials know that they want rail service."

By this summer, the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority will present a report to the state Legislature, which will determine who will run the system and how to fund the operating costs.

Besides Metra, other providers like Union Pacific might be interested in providing the service.

Then a final environmental impact statement will be prepared, along with the application for federal funding for the system.

Rail advocates claim the Milwaukee area is one of the nation's most populated regions that does not have low-cost rail service.

Committee chair Fred Patrie, said the recommendation is a "very good step."

He added the project will be in a strenuous competition with other projects around the nation for federal funding.

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Posted by i.am.robert on Jan. 5, 2007 at 2:12 p.m. (report)

I remember taking the train from Chicago to Milw in '68, and I never understood why the service was stopped. Of course, I only used it once, so my opinion borders on worthless. However, if the commuter fare can be kept reasonably low, and people can see the bottom line advantage, it could succeed. I live in the San Diego area, and public transportation is very inefficient. But the trolley service in use is picking up, and expanding. It's a matter of a life-change. Perhaps it could be funded/subsidized by a $2-3 hike of vehicel registration? I think the commuter plan should get serious attention. bob

Posted by billglowacki on Dec. 5, 2006 at 12:02 p.m. (report)

The Hiawatha is a jip. This will compete with it (though there will be more stops, longer ride, and cheaper fares), but Megabus will still remain the cheapest alternative. I'm from Milwaukee and I fly back several times a year. Many times it is a huge price savings to go into Chicago and use bus or train to get up north. This Metra service would be one more alternative for me and though it would be slow, I might use it once in a while. All that said, I think the region would be better to spend the money on an actual metro. Milwaukee is really not a big enough metropolitan area to necessitate commuter rail, but a metro with lines from say Mequon, Waukesha, and Oak Creek would cover most of the stops people would need, be much faster than a bus, take traffic off the freeways, and provide some kind of non-driving alternative for people who want to go out at night.

Posted by Master C on Nov. 25, 2006 at 5:09 p.m. (report)

This still won't replace the Amtrak Hiawatha for people going to or coming from Chicago. If, however, you want to take the train from downtown Milwaukee to Cudahy, this will be your ride.