(The following editorial appeared on The Virginian-Pilot website on September 24, 2009.)
NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern Corp.’s latest estimate for bringing passenger rail service to South Hampton Roads offers a welcome bit of cheer for regional leaders who have struggled to keep federal and state officials focused on the project.
Earlier this month, the railroad company said its freight line could be upgraded to handle passenger trains for just $75 million, well below earlier estimates from the state.
Numbers used by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation include passenger stations and other supplementary expenditures not in the railroad’s figures. But Norfolk Southern’s analysis proves that service to the Southside is both attainable and relatively cheap.
That doesn’t mean it’s a done deal. There are $102 billion in projects across the country competing for $8 billion in federal stimulus funds. If South Hampton Roads is going to get its share, leaders will have to make the case and be ready to listen to any reasonable suggestions on how to accomplish their goal.
Norfolk Southern’s $75 million estimate is for conventional rail, or trains that reach a top speed of 79 miles per hour. Boosting speeds to 90 mph or 110 mph would push those costs higher – state officials say to $262 million – while shortening the trip between Norfolk and Richmond by less than a dozen minutes.
Speed should be a secondary consideration for the region.
It’s more important to ensure meaningful and reliable service for those traveling on business or pleasure. South Hampton Roads is home to more than 1 million people and major tourist attractions. A minimum of three arrivals and three departures daily would be a good start for any rail service to the region.
Federal stimulus dollars could cover at least part of the capital costs, but some supplementary funds may be necessary from state and local governments. Even more significant is the question of long-term operating revenues. The Obama administration is not going to hand over millions of dollars for rail upgrades if Virginia isn’t willing to dedicate a funding source to run the passenger service.
South Hampton Roads probably won’t get everything it wants right away. Regional leaders must remain flexible, but they shouldn’t compromise on their central goal of finally establishing dependable, modern passenger rail service for their constituents.