A local company has partnered with Bombardier International and is seeking private funding for a light rail system that would connect major points of interest across southeast Wisconsin, News/Talk 1130 WISN has learned exclusively.
Transit Innovations, LLC is looking to raise approximately $1.5 billion to fund a commuter rail system it has dubbed "E-Way" and develop land near its tracks for commercial, office, and residential properties. Developers believe that they will be able to save money by leasing existing Union Pacific Railroad and Canadian Pacific Railway, allowing them to avoid depending on taxpayer money.
"E-Way will have 23 stations and platforms (two existing, 21 new-builds) along 55 miles of existing train tracks, bridges, crossings, and operations," Transit Innovations added in a statement provided to News/Talk 1130 WISN. "The system will provide commuter connections, including last-mile connections from train stations to final destinations, for downtown Milwaukee, Menomonee Valley, Waukesha, New Berlin, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, West Allis, Century City and the Airport."
The proposed line would include stops at Miller Park, the Menomonee Valley, the Milwaukee County Zoo, Mayfair Mall, and the Regional Medical Center.
"E-Way will provide inter-modal connectivity with businesses, housing, medical, airport, education/university, markets/shops, zoos, sports, casinos and other entertainment venues," Transit added. "The system will provide multi-modal connectivity with systems such as bus, job center shuttles, streetcar, cabs and Uber, and bike systems which are being coordinated in partnership with station communities and private business."
The project is still in its initial fundraising stages and it is unclear when construction of E-Way would begin and when it would be ready for ridership.