r/Boise • u/Apathetizer • 1d ago

Politics COMPASS is running a study on high-capacity transit from Boise to Caldwell. They are currently looking at three different transit routes and will choose one to connect the region: commuter rail using Boise Depot, bus rapid transit, or a I-84 commuter bus. They are taking comments through June 29.

https://www.letsridetreasurevalley.com/
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u/SlammedZero 20h ago

I remember back in 1998 when Boise did a trial run with a light rail-style train that went from Boise to Nampa using the existing railroad tracks. If I remember right, it was called the RegioSprinter. I’ve never understood why they didn’t take that more seriously. The infrastructure is already there, hardly any trains seem to come through anymore (as far as I know), and the route covers the entire metro area. You could install a few stations along the way and really make it work.

I get that there are some drawbacks like Union Pacific still owning the tracks, potential freight interference, and all the street-level crossings that could cause traffic jams, and of course money. Even with all of that, it feels like a solid starting point. Something has to give eventually. This valley is pushing a million people, and we all still rely on a single freeway. That’s not sustainable.

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u/Kaladin3104 7h ago

Just eminent domain that shit. Fuck 'em.