GTCR Feasibility

The proposed Greater Triangle Commuter Rail would offer a congestion-free transportation alternative for the region that is slated to grow by more than a million people and a corresponding 1 million cars in the next 30 years.

Options and Costs

The results of the Greater Triangle Commuter Rail feasibility study provide options for implementation of regional passenger rail service. Due to the high cost and technical challenges associated with delivering the full project at once, the study considered phases for staged implementation in the eastern, central, and western portions of the corridor. With costs varying for each, the three portions include:

• Eastern portion Implementing service from the Auburn Station in Garner to Raleigh Union Station.
• Central portion Implementing service from Raleigh Union Station to the Ellis Road Station.
• Western portion Implementing service from the RTP Station to the West Durham Station.

Out of the three phases, the western phase has considerable challenges associated with construction including higher cost and a longer implementation time frame. Due to the challenges associated the western phase is being considered for a later stage of implementation.