yes it was done the availability of the line. and wait 10 years and see that the suburbs will build around this line.. nashville is and has been exploding like atlanta did in the 80's-2000's for years..the only difference is nashville is doing something to accomidate the growth.
neroden wrote:This may repeat a lot of info going back to the first posts on this line. Some basic information may have been lost in the changeover from RTA to MTA management. The NERR is an odd shortline kept busy by some online freight customers via state funds. Rebuilding the old 40mph freight lines to allow 60mph passenger service cost 1Mil per mile. Getting 3 ex-Amtrak F40's & some gallery cars from Metra was cheap. You get what you pay for. It is a fun ride. Y'all welcome to visit Nashville & ride our little train.superbad wrote:I am certain that the Star will see ridership grow as the nashville regions population continues to explodeBut does it go to the right suburbs?
It always seemed to be one of the more questionable commuter rail lines in the country to me, seeming to have been chosen based on the availability of track rather than on the need for service. But perhaps some locals can share more information on the demographic geography of Nashville.
The real push will come someday when I-65 running North & south & I-24 running SE become too congested. Now we are talking about passenger service on busy L&N/CSX rails. The rail lines seem to be in good shape but may need signal improvements to allow 60mph passenger operation. Some lines will also need track to be built to allow commuter trains to stop while freights pass by. With no HSR or Amtrak money & service, that day will be far into the future.