Boise Will Test Light Rail To Reduce Traffic Problems
The Boise City Council has approved spending $100,000 for a commuter train demonstration that could help cut traffic problems.
The council Tuesday night approved a request from Mayor Brent Coles for a three- to six-month demonstration of a RegioSprinter train. The diesel car could carry up to 174 people between the Micron Technology plant in southeast Boise, to the Boise Train Depot, Towne Square mall and Meridian.
The train would run mainly on Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
Council members said the city should ask other cities and businesses to help fund the demonstration.
Council member Paula Forney said Boise needs to take a closer look at Calgary, Alberta, Canada, which used a RegioSprinter for five months, then decided not to buy.