A commuter rail line to Ottawa from the counties east of it would enhance the lives of residents and promote economic development, a new study says.

Commuters who drive or take the bus from communities such as Limoges, Casselman and Alexandria endure a rush-hour ordeal through the clogged junction of Highways 17 and 417 nicknamed "the parking lot."

But many would rather take the train, said the report prepared for the United Counties of Prescott-Russell.

Officials such as Sylvain Charlebois think that's an idea worth pursuing.

"There's always a problem at rush hours," Charlebois, co-ordinator of development and tourism for the region, said Thursday. "So the commuter train would probably resolve that issue."

Tentatively approved by Via

The study recommends running the trains on existing Via tracks with possible stops at Limoges, Casselman and Alexandria — an idea Via has already tentatively approved.

There would be two departures during morning rush hour, two in the afternoon and additional return trips in the evenings and on weekends.

Transportation expert Harry Gow, who helped put together the report, said the first phase of the project would involve one rail line to Alexandria and improved bus routes. He said eventually it could be expanded to a second rail line along Highway 17.

Municipal officials presented the plan for the estimated $7-million project to the provincial government on Feb. 27 and continue to discuss it with them. They hope it could be partly funded by gas tax revenues.

Gow, founder of the research and advocacy group Transport 2000, said transit projects tend to come together more quickly in rural than urban areas.

"That's the elegance of things in the country," said Gow. "Things tend to move fast because you don't have a heck of a lot of people to please. You have to please the taxpayer, and that's sort of the end game with these rural municipalities."