High-Capacity Transit: Caldwell, Nampa, Meridian, Boise
Rapid population growth, increasing travel demand along east-west corridors, and deteriorating performance in the Interstate 84/Interstate-184 corridor have prompted COMPASS and its member agencies to study high-capacity transit options such as light rail, commuter rail, and bus rapid transit, that connect major activity centers in the Cities of Caldwell, Nampa, Meridian, and Boise.
In 2020 and 2021, COMPASS conducted the Treasure Valley High Capacity Transit Study and a large-scale public survey to better understand mode and alignment options and tradeoffs and residents’ preferences for high-capacity transit.
COMPASS staff used the survey results to identify trends, needs, and common destinations, then compared those to potential transit modes and alignments as identified in the Treasure Valley High Capacity Transit Study to identify options to best serve regional needs and preferences. Based on that analysis, regional rail on the Boise Cutoff alignment was identified as the “locally favored” option for the regional long-range transportation plan, Communities in Motion 2050.
Regional rail is a hybrid between commuter rail and light rail. Like commuter rail, regional rail uses the same heavy track infrastructure used by freight, but regional rail service is more like that of light rail, with more stations than a typical commuter rail system.
COMPASS has funded a High-Capacity Transit Planning and Environmental Linkages study in 2024/2025 as the next step in the planning process. A scope of work for that study is being developed; more information will be provided here as the study commences.
COMPASS High-Capacity (Caldwell, Nampa, Meridian, Boise) Transit Studies and Plans