Regional Rail Service

T-12

Observation

Baton Rouge can eventually restore regional rail service to important supporting towns and cities.

Discussion

In cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, there should be two round-trips per day from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Two railroads run into Baton Rouge: the Illinois Central Railroad and the Kansas City Southern Rail Lines. Prior to 1969 both companies ran passenger trains connecting Baton Rouge with New Orleans, and other Louisiana towns and cities. The city could enter into agreement with both railroads and Amtrack to re-institute commuter rail service.

As with any plan of transportation, there are costs involved; but, the cost would be less than new road construction, as the tracks already exist.

Numerous station stops may need to be constructed in the city, its suburbs, and small towns around Baton Rouge -- towns such as Baker, Zachary, Denham Springs, Walker, Gonzales, and others. The public who use the trains daily could pay their fares monthly. Government employees could receive special fares.

Recommendation

This use of the railroad right-of-way is a long-term proposition dependent on factors beyond the scope of the current Downtown study. The Downtown plan, however, recognizes the potential of this rail alignment for serving Downtown in various ways, and invites the more advanced study of the adaptive reuse of the rail line.

Responsibility

Office of the Mayor and Chamber of Commerce

Project Status

Recommendation

The Louisiana DOTD completed an extensive study of the feasibility of restoring passenger rail service to Baton Rouge. DOTD’s Louisiana Passenger/Commuter Rail Service Master Plan (Draft Final Report, May 1998) examined the possibilities for intercity rail connections between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The study identified a demand for potential commuter travel that could be captured by a passenger rail service.

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