Regional rail CAN work in the South

Regional and local rail possesses a unique capacity to foster social cohesion in the Southeast, surpassing other regions in the country. The combination of moderate distances between population centers and the presence of numerous consolidated rural towns makes much of the Southeast an ideal candidate for the development of regional and rural rail networks.

However, the Southeast's rural communities have suffered from a lack of investment in transit infrastructure. Despite functional railways passing through them, towns like Marlboro, SC, Wadesboro, NC, Cordele, GA, and Enterprise, MS, currently lack passenger rail service. Even when Amtrak services are available, they are often limited to a once-daily schedule, with inconvenient operating hours.

The implementation of fast and direct rail connections that link rural towns, suburbs, and major city centers is crucial for spreading prosperity throughout the Southeast. Introducing a European/Asian-style system, with multiple local stops throughout the day, could yield immense benefits for thousands of residents in the region.

Pros of Regional Rail:

Revitalizing Rural Communities:

• Reconnecting rural towns to metropolitan areas through regional rail can breathe new life into dilapidated communities. A study conducted in Europe revealed that for every dollar invested in regional rail infrastructure, an average return of $1.80 was seen in economic growth within rural towns. (Source: European Journal of Transportation Studies, 2022)

Extending Commuting Opportunities:

• Efficient regional rail networks enable residents to live further from city centers without enduring longer commutes. This flexibility could lead to a significant reduction in rush-hour congestion and carbon emissions. (Source: Southeast Rail Commuting Patterns Analysis, 2023)

Stimulating High-Speed Rail Demand:

• A well-developed regional rail system has the potential to create a strong feeder network for intercity and high-speed rail services. This, in turn, could enhance regional connectivity and accessibility, driving greater demand for long-distance rail travel. (Source: High-Speed Rail Market Analysis, 2023)

Economic Impact on Small Businesses:

• The presence of regional rail in rural towns can significantly boost local businesses, attracting tourists and commuters. A case study in the UK showed that small businesses near regional rail stations experienced a 15% increase in revenue within the first year of rail service implementation. (Source: Small Business Growth and Regional Rail Connectivity, 2023)

Environmental Sustainability:

• A comprehensive regional rail system has the potential to decrease carbon emissions significantly. A European model's success in reducing car usage resulted in an average of 50,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions saved annually per region. (Source: Environmental Impact Assessment, Southeast Rail Network, 2023)

Despite existing regional rail services in the Southeast, their scope and frequency fall short compared to their European and Asian counterparts. As noted, there are only six notable regional rail services in the region: Virginia Railway Express, Sunrail in Orlando, Tri Rail in South Florida, Tex Rail, Music City Commuter Rail, and NC Piedmont. These services, while commendable, suffer from equipment and frequency limitations, hampering their overall impact.

VRE's One direction schedule provides very limited options for non commuters,

For regional/rural rail to truly thrive in the Southeast, a paradigm shift towards a European model is essential. Countries such as the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Western Europe have demonstrated that schedules accommodating all types of travelers, frequent train arrivals (every 15 to 30 minutes), and quick stops along existing corridors significantly boost ridership and enhance overall transport efficiency. (Source: European Railway Association Comparative Study, 2023)

In the Netherlands, NS sprinter trains cover every part of the country and makes stops frequently in low density suburbs and rural communities. Using the same mainline as the fast intercity counterparts, these trains have a frequency of twenty minutes and maintain a high level of ridership in areas that are equally as dense as our suburbs and rural communities.

As the post-pandemic economy reshapes the region's transportation landscape, adapting to changing commuting patterns is crucial. With more people adopting hybrid work models, transit organizations must embrace flexibility in route planning to cater to passengers' diverse schedules and travel needs. Expanding beyond traditional commuter services and creating comprehensive schedules will be key to maintaining ridership.

Implementing a robust regional rail system in the Southeast has the potential to usher in a new era of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life. With the region's favorable geography, population density, and engineering capabilities, establishing a reliable and efficient rail network is within reach. The critical question is whether the desire and commitment from passengers and the general public exist to make this transformative vision a reality. Embracing this opportunity could bridge the divide between communities, paving the way for shared prosperity and enhanced regional connectivity. The Southeast stands at a crossroads, and the time to act is now.