Quote:
Originally Posted by cabasse
commuter rail usually runs under its own power (like amtrak or a freight train) - excepting a few lines in NY and chicago with overhead power - but the track gauge is more similar to standard freight rail then a heavy rail metro like marta. frequency/headways are usually longer with commuter vs metro, too.
the original atl commuter rail plan:
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Correct. Commuter Rail uses the existing rail infrastructure. The rail lines are there and many older towns still have depots that were used up until the 1960s. And many of these old town centers could use a shot in the arm that would come with an active rail stop. However, line usage has to be negotiated with the Freight Rail companies. This has been the sticking point in Atlanta for a long time.
If the Gulch is developed without preserving for Commuter Rail and the MMPT it would be a sad lost opportunity. It is really the only place where the existing rail lines, MARTA HRT, and Bus Infrastructure could come together. The real beauty is the connectivity between them all. You could ride in all the way from the outer suburbs, then make one change to many parts of the city.