So I’ve heard for years about a light rail that would be added to the existing infrastructure between Marion and Asheville.

Well, down in Old Fort, massive crews are installing new track.

Anybody have any info on this?

Is this the actual start of this light rail system?

If it is, I just might poop my pants.

tatuMWAHAHAje - 15 October 2009 07:08 PM

So I’ve heard for years about a light rail that would be added to the existing infrastructure between Marion and Asheville.

Well, down in Old Fort, massive crews are installing new track.

Anybody have any info on this?

Is this the actual start of this light rail system?

If it is, I just might poop my pants.

There is a building near Biltmore Village that has been rumored for years to be part of a new passenger rail line.

The only question is: Who the #### wants to go to Marion?

Someone named CraftMama in the blogs below this article says they are already working on the tracks from Gastionia to Charlotte.

http://www.gastongazette.com/news/rail-38918-gastonia-charlotte.html

mat catastrophe - 15 October 2009 08:54 PM

The only question is: Who the #### wants to go to Marion?

people who work in Asheville but can’t afford the ####### rent.

tatuMWAHAHAje - 15 October 2009 08:56 PM

mat catastrophe - 15 October 2009 08:54 PM

The only question is: Who the #### wants to go to Marion?

people who work in Asheville but can’t afford the ####### rent.

I thought that’s what Haywood County was for.

I can see a rail connection to the statewide system, even though it might bring in more of those evil tourists.  But I really don’t see Asheville ever developing a commuter rail system for itself or to connect to its outlying communities.  Light rail requires the construction of infrastructure, plus the light rail lines and stations spur dense growth all along their length, and in nodes around the stations.  Nothing will make an Ashevillian reach for the pitchfork and torch faster than the threat of urban growth, and we’d all much rather sit in traffic for hours on end watching distant suburbs blossom rather than risk the horror of urban growth in the middle of town.

I think it would be great if Asheville had some sort of passenger rail system. I’m surprised Amtrak doesn’t come here.

hal - 05 November 2009 01:38 AM

I think it would be great if Asheville had some sort of passenger rail system. I’m surprised Amtrak doesn’t come here.

why are you surprised? i doubt it would be even remotely profitable.

They suspended Amtrak service to Asheville in the late 70’s, because people only used it during the tourist season.

So it is possible, and given the changes to the area, may be marginally more profitable now then it was in the latter 20th century.

In fact, there was an article about this in the CT a few weeks ago. The state gave more money to work on the tracks between Gastonia and Asheville, but the article said that other rail projects in NC had priority over light rail, which can hopefully within the next 25 - 35 years.