Transportation, Economic and Social Impacts of Light and Commuter Rail: Project Summary Report (0-5652-S)

This project summary report summarizes the research performed in Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Project 0-5652. This project examined the variety of impacts of light rail and commuter rail projects. Further, the research team documented the role(s) that other states have played in planning, designing, developing, and operating light rail and commuter rail and examined current TxDOT policies associated with participation in such projects. Finally, the research effort linked potential impacts to TxDOT agency goals and identified any legislative or administrative changes that would be needed in order to permit TxDOT to participate in rail projects. Based upon a review of the body of existing documentation, researcher examined the impacts of rail. Rail transit is both safe and environmentally friendly. Economic impacts are strongest in station areas since access to rail increases the value of nearby property, though not that of property directly adjacent to the rail line. State departments of transportation (DOTs) have played a variety of roles in rail development, ranging from funding initial planning to operating services. TxDOT has authority to participate in rail development, but no funding has been appropriated by the legislature. TxDOT could more actively participate in commuter rail projects if the agency is afforded greater flexibility in application of funds and the right to own rolling stock.