The Dane County Board of Supervisors adopted Res. 125, 94-95 in October 1994 establishing a committee of citizens and elected officials to explore the feasibility of implementing commuter rail in Dane County. The committee and its four subcommittees conducted over 20 public meetings, received input from transportation and planning experts and officials, and sponsored two informational trips on the Chicago area's Metra commuter rail system. The committee has addressed its charge, and has approved this report to the County Board. The following questions highlight the major themes addressed by the Committee.
Some systems use self-propelled rail diesel cars.
Typically, commuter rail provides passenger service during peak hours, providing service to a region with many trips into central areas. Most commuter rail systems are integrated with other transit services, such as bus systems, to encourage transfers throughout the region. The light rail alternative was reviewed by Cambridge Systematics, Inc. for the Madison Metro Transit System in 1992. New trackage, guideways, electrification, yards and shops, and stations would all be required. Considering the costs and projected operating revenue, the City of Madison determined that the transit corridor could not yet support the substantial investment.