A free-market think tank says the economic benefits of the proposed Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee rail line are "not credible." Robert Poole, Director of Transportation Studies at the Reason Foundation , says it's difficult to justify the quarter of a billion dollar price tag for the proposed KRM passenger rail.
"We found that there will be only about 4800 net new trips by 2035 which seems like a very small number for a cost that will be over $250 million," says Poole.
For each one way rider that breaks down to $28 per one way ride. Yet with the $2.82 ticket prices, $25 of each trip would have to be paid for by tax dollars.
The California-based researcher says there are more affordable transit options like regional van pooling or expanding bus service including an I-94 express ride. Poole adds the dwindling Milwaukee County Bus line is in need of repair and believes that should be a main priority for transit renovation.
Those in favor of the KRM project say the passenger line would open economic job opportunities with easier transit for distance commuting.
Poole was in Milwaukee Tuesday to present his newly released report, with area leaders and elected officials.