Commuter Rail

ARRC's 2002 Southcentral Commuter Rail Study & Operations Plan recommend formation of a regional transit autority (RTA) as the first critical step to establishing commuter rail as a component of integrated commuter services.  In order for regional commuter systems to be effective, links between communities must be planned and implemented with close coordination between local governments and their community transit systems, such as Anchorage's People Mover and the Mat-Su Community Transit (MASCOT) city bus systems. A joint RTA can make such coordination possible, along with coordinated support from state, federal, and private sector partners.

On June 13, 2008, then Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich and Mat-Su Borough Mayor Curt Menard signed an agreement to improve mass transit in Southcentral Alaska, beginning with RTA formation. This move acknowledges the RTA’s critical role in developing a regional commuter strategy to better serve thousands of people who regularly commute between Mat-Su and Anchorage bowl communities.

Thanks to the agreement, local transportation officials are beginning to investigate ways to improve commuting opportunities. New options could include additional bus and van capacity, Glenn Highway improvements, commuter rail development and exploration of other transportation modes such as the Mat-Su Ferry.

This detailed analysis will be considered by the RTA. Local governments have each appointed project managers who are working together on a draft RTA formation agreement. Once operating ground rules are established, the RTA agreement can be finalized and the authority can be formed.