Commuter train idea for Seattle suburbs

The Port of Seattle is considering a passenger railway on 42 miles of track between Renton and Snohomish, linking Seattle's eastside suburbs.

The port is buying the old freight line from Burlington Northern Santa Fe for $107 million.

The Seattle Times says a report Wednesday estimated the cost of a commuter railway at $1 billion.

The report was prepared by Sound Transit, the Puget Sound Regional Council and a consultant and presented to a regional committee. The plan includes the cost of a biking and hiking trail along part of the tracks.

A commuter rail advocate, Tom Jones of Cascadia Center of Discovery Institute, says the corridor can be developed for a fraction of the estimate and would be a transit bargain.

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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com

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