Baton Rouge Light Rail

T-11

Observation

The railroad tracks running along the riverside through Downtown present a long-term opportunity for transit service to Downtown Baton Rouge, and for service between non-downtown locations along the route.

Discussion

Most proposed transit systems involve tremendous capital expenditures on the purchase of rights-of-way and equipment. Not only do passenger revenues fail to cover debt service on these capital costs, but they rarely cover operating costs. In contrast, purchasing the use of this existing right-of-way would be an inexpensive way to bring light rail to Baton Rouge. The installation of at-grade station stops, pedestrian access, and the provision of compatible, already-manufactured railroad cars would also present a limited cost. However, potential passenger safety issues must be investigated. The only new right-of-way required would be a short run from Southern University to the Baton Rouge Airport. Stops could be created at the airport, Southern University (10,000 students, faculty, and employees), the State Capitol (and Casino Rouge), the Centroplex (and the Louisiana Arts & Science center, the new planetarium, USS Kidd, Catfish Town, and Belle of Baton Rouge), The Bottoms, L.S.U. (37,000 students, faculty, and employees), and Brightside Lane. In Down-town Baton Rouge, the old Illinois Central Station is given over to use as the Arts and Science Center, so two new stops would need to be constructed.

None of the stops need to be elaborate structures. In many instances, an “open-air” facility would be appropriate with an adjacent loading platform. The Downtown facilities may require more elaborate design because of their symbolic importance as gateways, justified by their heavier use. A parking lot at each location would be required, except at the Downtown, which would be receiving passengers who have parked in locations outside the area.

Recommendation

Commission a “quick-and-dirty” consul-tant study identifying the potential market issues, safety issues, costs, possible alternative routes, and possible operators for such a transit line.

Special Project

Obtain budgetary approval from the DDD, Plan Baton Rouge, the City and/or State government for the study.

Responsibility

Plan Baton Rouge, Office of the Mayor, Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development District

Project Status

Recommendation

The GBR Chamber of Commerce and Plan Baton Rouge hosted meetings with industrial plants (including Exxon) to enlist their cooperation and participation. The Chamber has had a series of meetings to study light rail connectors, high-speed rail service, and rail connections with New Orleans.

The Baton Rouge Downtown Transportation Plan concludes that there is potential for a light rail system to connect Downtown to other activity areas but this potential can only be realized if the transit system is part of the long-range vision for Baton Rouge which includes transit as an alternative to highway access. Providing this kind of transit connectivity within the area will depend on developing the support for it in the impacted communities. A study to identify the potential market issues, costs and possible operators of such service is warranted.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

Feasibility Study

Responsibility

PBR, DDD, OM, & CGBR

Implementing Agent

DPW

Feasibility Analysis

DPW

Initial Financing

BRAF

Project Financing

SCB & FF

Timing