Residents and businesses in cities currently served by regional commuter rail are already enjoying economic, environmental and transportation-related benefits. Capital and operating expenditures associated with regional rail can directly impact the regional economy. Regional rail creates a significant number of short and long-term jobs, directly and indirectly, throughout system development. Regional rail enhances business activity and property values throughout the region, especially in the vicinity of passenger rail stations. 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.