Advocating for improvements to passenger rail in the Midwest is at the heart of the MIPRC's purpose.
Midwestern states have developed two complementary plans, the Midwest Regional Rail System (MWRRS) and the Ohio Hub, to significantly improve passenger rail in the Midwest and link the region to the improvements being planned in the Northeast. These plans are not just paper dreams - they are the result of years of planning, and significant investment by the states.
But they need political will and funding at the federal level to become a reality. Passenger rail is a critical component of a modern, multi-modal transportation system — and needs to have financial support, unified policy development and oversight similar to that afforded to our air, highway and mass-transit modes.
Stay on this page to learn more about MIPRC's key advocacy points and what states are doing. Click on the links below to learn more about the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, the Ohio Hub, Amtrak and what is happening at the federal level:
The Midwest Regional Rail Initiative
The Ohio Hub
Amtrak
Federal Updates
Increasing America’s energy independence and securing the safety of our citizens are overriding national concerns. As we look to the future of passenger transportation, the development of frequent, more efficient passenger rail service is an important part of the solution that we can no longer afford to overlook.
Rail is the most fuel- and emission-efficient means to move people and goods. Intercity passenger rail can also play a very important role in helping to meet the growing demand placed on our highway and aviation systems. Improving this aspect of our transportation infrastructure would make us more competitive, stimulate the economy and create jobs, while easing congestion and improving air quality.
While many states are actively pursuing interstate rail development programs, their plans cannot be realized without a meaningful federal partnership. Therefore, the MIPRC urges the adoption of the following federal policies:
- Inclusion of intercity rail as an integral component of national transportation and energy policy;
- Establishment of a long-term, dedicated funding mechanism for intercity rail similar to other modes of transportation (80 percent federal/20 non-federal split);
- Creation of a comprehensive national plan (with state and local input) for passenger rail development. While the national plan is being developed and agreed upon, provide full funding for Amtrak to maintain and improve the current system.
The MIPRC also advocates for implementation of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and the Ohio Hub plans.
A substantive state-federal partnership is necessary to make the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and the Ohio Hub plans a reality because of the capital investments needed. But states are increasingly taking the lead in developing plans to bring expanded passenger rail service to their communities, corridor by corridor.
Fourteen states now provide direct operating subsidies to Amtrak for increased passenger rail service, including Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin in the Midwest. While ridership on Amtrak’s service overall has been growing, the rise in the number of those taking the train on shorter, regional routes – which are mainly state-supported – has been particularly dramatic. In the Midwest, ridership on these shorter routes increased 40 percent overall between FY 2004 and FY 2007.
Ridership on corridor (short-distance) service in the Midwest
Service, finance and operating characteristics of state-supported Amtrak trains (2008)
Firstline Midwest report on state efforts to expand passenger rail service (March 2007)
Midwestern states are also asking Amtrak and other entities to conduct feasibility studies for improving, increasing and starting new service on corridors:
Chicago-Rockford-Galena-Dubuque (2007)
Chicago-Quad Cities (2008)
Missouri Freight and Passenger Rail Capacity Analysis (2007)
Chicago-Quad Cities extension to Iowa City
The MIPRC is working with each of its member states to help move passenger rail plans and ideas forward. Beginning in the fall of 2007, the commission is holding meetings in each of its member states to review the history and progress of passenger rail plans in the state and to develop a plan to increase passenger rail accessibility and advocacy.