Rail & Ground Trasport

Rail Transport

The Boise Valley Railroad handles freight service in Boise Idaho and is owned and operated by Watco, a highly respected freight hauler.  BVRR provides freight service through an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad and the City of Boise, both owners of railroad right-of-ways in the valley.

Amtrak is in the process of research the restoration of its Pioneer Route, and recently announced its desire to return service to the landmark Boise Depot.  Boise would be a key stop on the Portland-to-Chicago passenger mover that is being reviewed by Congress.  If Amtrak does run its Pioneer Route it is expected to be operational by 2012.

The Boise Valley Railroad (BVRR) began operations in November of 2009.

The BVRR consists of 36 miles of track that travels two separate branches, the Wilder Branch and the Boise Cut-off.  The Wilder Branch is an 11-mile long track running from Wilder, Idaho to Caldwell, Idaho.  The 25-mile Boise Cut-off runs from Nampa to just southeast of Boise, Idaho's largest city.  The lease-purchase agreement also includes trackage rights from Nampa to Caldwell on  he Union Pacific Railroad line.

Eighty-four customers are served by the Boise Valley Railroad, several of whom are currently served by Watco's Easter Idaho Railroad, Great Northwest Railroad and Yellowstone Valley Railroad.

The major commodities shipped on the Boise Valley Railroad include building materials, agricultural products and produce, lumber, fertilizer, and fuels.  The railroad will also be assuming switching duties for many of the industries in the Boise area.

Ground Transport

The major Interstate service Boise is I-84, with I-184 branching toward the northeast.  Other highways that are easily accessed from Boise Valley include federal highways 20, 26 and 30, and state highways 21, 44 and 55.  Several logistics operators freight hauling and freight forwarding companies serve Boise Valley.

Public bus transportation throughout Boise Valley is provided by ValleyRide, while van and carpooling services are offered by Commuteride.  There is also a network of bike paths throughout the city and surrounding region for those who prefer to walk or ride their bikes to work.