ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) — A Montgomery County task force says a rapid bus network there would cost about $1.83 billion to build and another $1.1 million per mile each year to operate.

The Washington Examiner reports that the Transit Task Force wants the system running in nine years. The panel appointed by County Executive Ike Leggett recommends a “world class,” 161.5-mile bus rapid transit network along 23
major county thoroughfares. It would be built in three phases.

The recommendations will be formally presented to Leggett this week.

The task force suggests multiple ways to pay for the system.

They would include a combination of property taxes and county and state contributions.

The task force does not recommend trying to get federal funding, but it does suggest getting private partners to help raise money.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)