Wanted: Rail Service from El Paso to Las Cruces

A study commissioned by the South Central Regional Transit District (SCRTD) shows that a proposed commuter rail service line between El Paso, TX and Las Cruces, NM is financially feasible. It is, apparently, also wanted by commuters.

Researchers found that communities along the proposed transit corridor are growing. As such, sufficient population exists, and the local economies are strong enough, to benefit from a commuter rail service. The projected daily ridership for the proposed, 42-mile stretch between the two towns would be between 5,500 and 9,200.

The study’s authors also indicated that the capital investment would be $76.8 million for new equipment, and $13.8 million for used stock. Recommendations for El Paso included developing partnerships with BNSF (for use of the rail line), recruiting a short-line railroad as service operator and negotiating partner, and creating an action plan for improved transit connections around proposed terminal rail stations.

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