Skip to main content

Commuter Rail Feasibility Study

A Community-Driven Conversation

For years, our community has asked an important question: Could commuter rail work here?

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) took that question seriously—commissioning a comprehensive feasibility study led by WSP, one of the world’s leading transportation consulting firms. The goal was simple: provide a clear, data-driven look at what it would take to bring commuter rail to our region.

View the Rail Study

Why Rail, Why Now?

The Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) is a major economic engine—not just for Northern Nevada, but the entire country.

  • One of the largest industrial parks in the United States, spanning over 107,000 acres
  • Home to 100+ companies, including major employers like Tesla, Panasonic, Redwood Materials, and Walmart
  • Supporting 20,000+ daily commuters, with that number expected to nearly double in the next 10–15 years

At the same time, planned NDOT improvements to I-80—beginning in mid-2027 and lasting more than five years—will significantly impact the only primary corridor connecting Reno-Sparks to TRIC.

Together, these factors create both a challenge and an opportunity.

What the Study Evaluated

The feasibility study explored the potential for commuter rail service using the existing Union Pacific Railroad corridor.

Key highlights:

  • 22-mile corridor connecting downtown Reno to TRIC
  • Potential stations in Reno, Sparks, and near USA Parkway
  • Focus on serving commuter travel patterns, especially shift workers

What Could Service Look Like?

A near-term startup scenario outlines a practical, scalable approach:

  • Three round trips in the morning and afternoon
  • Approximately 30-minute travel time

This initial phase is estimated at approximately $175 million in capital investment.

Long-Term Vision

A full build-out would expand service even further:

  • Extension to the Tesla Gigafactory
  • Major rail infrastructure improvements
  • A dedicated operations and maintenance facility
  • Create additional UPRR mainline capacity for Workforce Rail and freight

Workforce Rail Long-Term Alternative Map

Estimated total program cost: over $900 million

Is There Demand?

Yes—and it’s significant.

The study projects:

  • Approximately 14,500 daily riders during the I-80 construction period
  • Strong demand driven by TRIC shift schedules and workforce growth

This demonstrates that commuter rail wouldn’t just be a convenience—it could be a critical mobility solution during peak demand years.

Where Things Stand Today

RTC has delivered what the community asked for:

  • A thorough, transparent, and data-driven feasibility study
  • Clearly defined options and costs
  • Public access to findings

The question is no longer “Is it possible?”—it’s “How do we fund it?”

What Happens Next?

This is a regional conversation.

Commuter rail is achievable—but it requires meaningful investment and collaboration. Moving forward will depend on partnerships between:

  • The community
  • Elected officials
  • Public agencies
  • Private-sector stakeholders

Together, we can determine whether commuter rail becomes part of our region’s future.