Commuter rail service shows promise: Valley residents can sip coffee and read the paper, while enjoying a pleasant commute to Anchorage.

• Author: Campbell, Melissa

A commuter rail service between Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley has been discussed for years. But, detractors said, Alaskans won't ride the train, they like their cars too much. It would be too costly and bad for the environment, thanks to the burning diesel billowing out of the engine stacks.

But, during a demonstration trip offered this summer, I must admit, I was convinced it would be worth it. Now I don't make that 40-plus-mile commute from Wasilla to town every day to get to work. If I did, I think I'd prefer the train to the traffic.

The demonstration ride was courtesy of the Alaska Railroad Corp. and Colorado Railcar, a newly formed company from the Lower 48 that has designed an energy-efficient, comfortable commuter train that officials there say would be perfect for the Anchorage/ Valley trip.

The cars can be configured in several ways. Seats can resemble those of first-class airline seating; or more like that found in smaller, commuter-style aircraft, with metal backs and thinner cushions. Or, targeted more toward the tourist section of the industry, can have restaurant-style booths with tables in between.

The railcars are strongly built, too, surpassing federal safety regulations. Designers say the train's nose is armor-plated and could withstand impact with a tractor-trailer, though some adjustments would have to be made for moose. They can seat up to 92 passengers per car, and can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour if the tracks are straight and in good condition.

Each railcar, which provides the engine and seating, would cost an estimated $2.9 million. Coaches cost about $2 million each. However, the railcars could pull the coaches already owned by Alaska Railroad.

Other advantages: these railcars use up to a third less fuel, the smaller engines require less maintenance and the track is already in place.

But the best payoff...