A regional rail system allows more land to remain on tax rolls compared to highways. Regional rail improves opportunities for access to jobs. It increases the size of the workforce available within an hour's time to major manufacturing hubs and professional centers. Expanded regional transportation options and improved access to nearby cities encourages and fosters new business development and relocation. Environmental Benefits Regional commuter rail contributes to the reduction in auto pollutant emissions due to the diversion of highway traffic to rail, improving the region's overall air quality.
Regional rail helps conserve energy.
Transportation Benefits Regional commuter rail contributes to the reduction of highway traffic congestion. This not only improves travel time for motorists and lowers fuel consumption, but reduces the frequency of auto accidents due to high traffic volumes. Regional rail substantially reduces travel costs to the user in comparison with automobile operation. Regional rail service may increase ridership on local transit services. At the same time, regional rail ridership is increased by coordinated bus feeder services and complementing line-haul bus services.