Even with two more lanes on I-95, expected residential, commercial and retail growth in both counties means more traffic. So let a train do the commute, which is what's being studied right now, JTA Director of Economic Development Richard Clark said. "It is going to be the next course of action," Clark said. "When I-95 is built out, we need to have something in place for the future and this is a wonderful way to get people out of their cars and on public transportation and has proved successful all over the country." A rail station to serve commuters and tourists just blocks from downtown St. Augustine near hotels, restaurants and planned development is certainly a solid proposal, city Planning and Building Director Amy Skinner said. So they are eyeing a 5.5-acre site at U.S. 1 and King Street that could see a parking garage to help ease historic downtown issues as a start. "You have to have a critical mass, things happening, things to do and people," she said. "That's where the density comes in for new mobility-oriented development that we are working on. The place is logical for either people to park and ride or to get off and go somewhere with alternative transportation within walking distance from things to do, as well as a captive audience of people able to live in close proximity."
Commuting by rail: proposals then and now
The JTA has been looking at a commuter rail for years.
In 2009 a consultant's proposal suggested three commuter rail lines, all starting in downtown Jacksonville. One would go north on CSX rails to Yulee, one south on CSX tracks to Green Cove Springs and the third southeast on Florida East Coast Railroad tracks to St. Augustine. The estimate then was about $622 million. The 2009 study said the most popular route was St. Augustine and back, with ridership from 2,400 to 4,800 people. That portion was projected to cost $172 million. A commuter rail idea also was studied in St. Johns County, initially considered near Northeast Florida Regional Airport along U.S. 1 and adjacent railroad tracks in St. Augustine, Skinner said.
Report : Jacksonville commuter rail would be costly
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