67 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

WAOW-TV, Channel 9 in Wausau, WI, 9/4/17:

 

 

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Possibility of second Amtrak train coming through La Crosse

 

The Minnesota Department of Transportation, along with the La Crosse Area Planning Committee plan to bring a proposal for a second Amtrak train to residents of the Coulee Region this week.

 

More

[CNJRoss]

WKOW-TV Madison, WI 9/4/17:

 

Proposed Amtrak route would connect cities by train from Chicago to St. Paul

Featured Video

• Proposed Amtrak route would connect cities by train from Chicago to St. Paul

 

 

MADISON (WKOW) -- A partnership between Wisconsin and the Minnesota DOT is aiming to bring a second train to the tracks between St. Paul and Chicago.

 

The route would help connect cities across the region in a way that hasn't been done before. The second train would have three stops in the Madison area: Wisconsin Dells, Portage and Columbus.

 

Continue here.

[CNJRoss]

WXOW-TV La Crosse, WI 9/6/17:
 

Large crowd attends first informational meeting about Amtrak train proposal

 

 

La Crosse, WI (WXOW) -  A 2015 feasibility report conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) found that there was a demand for a second Amtrak train between St. Paul and Chicago. The demand comes from expected population and economic growth.The second train stops in a total of 13 stations, including La Crosse.

 

On Wednesday night, the public had a chance to learn more about the new proposal. Nearly 100 people from across Wisconsin and Minnesota attended the first public informational meeting about the second train. Many of those in attendance already ride the Amtrak and were excited to see what the new proposal would mean for future travel.

 

"We both like to ride the Amtrak," said John Glady, frequent Amtrak rider. "That's our favorite way to travel. If we have the choice, we'll take the Amtrak any day before we'll fly."

 

SNIP

 

The second train could be running by 2022.  It is expected to serve 155,000 riders annually.

 

Continue here.

[CNJRoss]

Post-Bulletin, Rochester, MN 9/25/17:

Will plans for 2nd Twin Cities-to-Chicago train keep chugging?

 

 

 

WINONA — When deciding the best way to get home to Chicago for a wedding, Rochester resident Jacqueline Komada settled on taking the train.

 

"It was the easiest option. It's a five-hour or longer drive back to Chicago. The train is really simple," Komada said.

 

She joined a crowd of travelers dragging rolling suitcases who were lining up to board the train on a recent weekday morning. Efforts are underway to add a second Twin Cities-to-Chicago train with stops in Red Wing and Winona. But to keep the project chugging along, lawmakers need to approve $1 million next year for the second phase of the study. Getting those dollars will likely be a challenge given legislators are already faced with more than $3 billion in requests for construction projects across the state.

 

Continue here.

[KevinKorell]

This is interesting.. While previous articles in this thread relate to a potential second frequency between the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) and Chicago, now it appears that North Dakota wants in on this action.  While this may work out, having the train go beyond the Twin Cities and still serve a place like Fargo at a reasonable time of day, which is the whole reason for having the second frequency, might compromise calling times in St. Paul and in Chicago.

 

From Grand Forks, ND Herald, 9/15/18:

 

 

Group pushes for more Fargo-to-Chicago passenger rail service

 

 

Expanded daytime passenger train service from Fargo to Chicago with stops in between could become a reality if Minnesota lawmakers can be sold on the idea.

 

 

Story

[jebr]

From the Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN):
 

Additional Twin Cities-Chicago rail service viable, study finds

 

Adding a second daily passenger train between St. Paul’s Union Depot and downtown Chicago, a proposal that has been bandied about for many years, would likely cost from $137 million to $169 million. But it’s unclear at this point how the project would be funded, and by whom, says a new study.
 
A sneak peek of the study’s findings was provided last week to the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority by rail planners from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), although the final version has not been made public.
 
Still, reviews from the board were positive, and several commissioners called for the Legislature to cough up some cash to move the project forward.

 
Read more here.

[KevinKorell]

WXOW-TV, Channel 19 in La Crosse, WI, 10/5/18:

 

 

Considering a second Amtrak train through La Crosse

 

 

You can learn more about the possibility of a second Amtrak train through La Crosse.

 

 

Story

[KevinKorell]

WXOW-TV, Channel 19 in La Crosse, WI, 10/8/18:

 

 

Public urged to act in getting second Amtrak train

 

 

Plans to add a second Amtrak train between the Twin Cities and Chicago has been underway for years. Advocates say it’s closer to being done, but the public has to get involved.

 

 

More

[KevinKorell]

Portage, WI Daily Register, 2/15/19:

 

 

Railroad boosters seek additional Amtrak passenger service through region

 

 

 

Now’s the time to sell lawmakers on the idea of adding a second daily Amtrak train across Wisconsin, a railroad passengers group says.

 

 

That story

[bratkinson]

The amount of 'studies', politics, and hoopla surrounding this amazes me. 

 

Amtrak used to have a 2nd train CHI to Duluth following the route of the Empire Builder.  It was the North Star.  3-4 Amfleet coaches, an Amfleet lounge/cafe, and a Heritage 10-6 sleeper.  It ran overnight each way.  I used it a couple of times MKE-MSP for business.  Much the same as my father did in the '50s and early '60s on the C&NW.