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Chicago-Twin Cities 2nd Frequency Study


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 03 July 2015 - 08:42 AM

Pioneer Press, St. Paul, MN 7/2:
 

Study backs St. Paul as terminus of second Amtrak train to Chicago

 

Amtrak has published a new study looking at the possibility of adding a second daily round-trip trip from Chicago to the Twin Cities.

 

The verdict? While a stop in Minneapolis or St. Cloud might yield more revenue, the most realistic scenario in terms of reliable scheduling and infrastructure would be to roll into St. Paul's Union Depot and then head back to the Windy City.

 

SNIP

 

The 28-page study notes that a route from Chicago to St.Paul could always be extended to Minneapolis or St. Cloud in the future.  The full study is online at dot.state.mn.us/passengerrail/mn-chicago-study.html.

 

More here.


Edited by CNJRoss, 03 July 2015 - 08:44 AM.
Correct link to study.


#2 KevinKorell

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Posted 03 July 2015 - 11:42 AM

I don't think necessarily it will be a "train like the Empire Builder".   There are many options here, from a daytime train that could run CHI-MSP in the morning & early afternoon, and return MSP-CHI in the evening.  Or if enough sleepers exist, the stations being about 7 or 8 hours apart could have an overnight train that could leave each city around 11 PM or midnight and get to the destination in the early morning.  The overnight train would have a longer idle time before it turns around, but it would ensure that connections are made to and from it in Chicago.  The day train would have shorter turnaround but would require overnight stays in Chicago.



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#3 KevinKorell

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Posted 06 July 2015 - 10:32 AM

In this article it appears the day train concept is favored. From Progressive Railroading, 7/6/15:


Amtrak study: St. Paul-to-Chicago most feasible for second daily train

 

A study conducted on Amtrak's behalf concludes that an additional passenger train offered daily between Chicago and St. Paul, Minn., with potential extensions to Minneapolis and St. Cloud, Minn., is the most feasible of the potential routes examined, Amtrak announced late last week.

Story

 

If money will be required from the states traversed, it will be interesting to see what Wisconsin does. And Illinois as of late has been moving in the wrong direction if the current Governor's wishes come true.



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#4 KevinKorell

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Posted 09 July 2015 - 12:25 AM

Minnesota Post, 7/7/15:

 


Another train to Chicago? Amtrak study shows 'favorable ridership and revenue for all route scenarios'

 

But would it go under any lakes? A new study [PDF] shows an additional Amtrak route with potential extensions to Minneapolis and St. Cloud is feasible and worthy of environmental review, according to the Brainerd Dispatch.

More



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#5 Sloan

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Posted 11 February 2016 - 10:41 AM

 

 

Could Amtrak add a second round trip between St. Paul and Chicago?

 

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners voted 7-0 Tuesday to finalize a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and move forward with the first phase of a $600,000 environmental assessment. Wisconsin would fund the other half.

http://www.channel30...hicago/37938606



#6 KevinKorell

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Posted 11 September 2016 - 01:44 PM

Rochester, MN Post-Bulletin, 9/2/16:

High-Speed Rail Commission begins study for second Amtrak train


The Minnesota High-Speed Rail Commission on Thursday outlined its plans and timetable to study the feasibility of adding a second Amtrak train to the St. Paul to Chicago line.


Update


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#7 KevinKorell

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Posted 11 March 2017 - 03:10 PM

Portage, WI Daily Register, 3/10/17:

 


 

Amtrak expansion could be ‘game-changer’ for Portage

 

The message Steve Sobiek shared with Portage Area Chamber of Commerce members went beyond business growth and new jobs.

Story



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#8 CNJRoss

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Posted 31 March 2017 - 09:42 AM

Alpha News, Minnesota 3/28:

Republican Proposes Funding for New Chicago-Twin Cities Passenger Rail Line

GOP Rep. Barb Haley introduced legislation to fund a study for a potential rail corridor from the Twin Cities to Chicago

 

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota State Rep. Barb Haley (R – Red Wing) introduced legislation Tuesday to fund a study for an additional passenger rail corridor between the Twin Cities and Chicago.

 

Haley’s bill appropriates $1 million from the Bond Proceeds Fund to the commissioner of transportation to complete a study in coordination with Wisconsin and Illinois. The study would evaluate the merit of adding a second train to the Chicago-Twin Cities passenger rail corridor.

 

Continue here.



#9 KevinKorell

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Posted 02 August 2017 - 05:54 PM

WIZM Radio, La Crosse, WI, 8/1/17:

 


New push to increase Amtrak service through Coulee Region

 

There's a new push to increase passenger rail service through the Coulee Region but that doesn't mean more stops in La Crosse any time soon.

 

The Minnesota Dept. of Transportation has released a report supporting the idea of more Amtrak service between Chicago and the Twin Cities.

 

Update



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#10 CNJRoss

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Posted 12 August 2017 - 12:02 PM

La Crosse (WI) Tribune, 8/10/17:

Chicago-Twin Cities train study rolls ahead; proposal would double La Crosse service in either direction

 

 

The effort to establish a second daily passenger train connecting La Crosse with Chicago and the Twin Cities is rolling ahead.

 

Minnesota and Wisconsin transportation officials determined in 2015 that there is demand to support another train on the Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul corridor, which is currently served by Amtrak’s Empire Builder with one train a day each way between Chicago, Seattle and Portland.

 

There are limited non-auto transportation options between Chicago and the Twin Cities, according to a study completed this summer, and projected population growth is expected to create additional congestion on highways and strain airline service.

 






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