Was bipartisan in passage, bill goes to Governor Waltz for signing (expected). Includes MN "match" or share for startup of new Chicago to Twin Cities Amtrak train. Approx $10 Million. What this match funds is below:
"A $10 million investment from the state of Minnesota would result in $53 million in rail upgrades, including over $19 million in Winona and close to $21 million in La Crescent. These upgrades would improve safety and I’m told they would also improve switching times in Winona, which would be terrific for Winona.
It would mark the eighth available round-trip service on the Hiawatha service between Milwaukee and Chicago. The Twin Cities are currently only served by Amtrak’s long-distance Empire Builder route."
I forget the start date but I think it is 2025. The rail improvements are of course dual use with CP benefiting from the rail switching improvements in Winona due to a new track configuration. Not sure what those are and too lazy to look them up.
They are already talking about how this lays the groundwork for a second Chicago to Twin Cities frequency. Time will tell on that, I would think they want to see how the first one does.
Projected First Year ridership: 150,000 people.
Since much of the route is in Wisconsin, wouldn't a 2nd TC-CHI train depend on its GOP legislature appropriation ? Unlikely?
charlie hebdoSince much of the route is in Wisconsin, wouldn't a 2nd TC-CHI train depend on its GOP legislature appropriation ? Unlikely?
So a lot depends on how well the first train does and/or if the Feds come up with another package of incentives for the second as they did for the first. MN is the one already hyping on another frequency. WisDOT has not said anything on it yet.
Are they routing this via the Madison 'dogleg' route to provide service there, or arranging some kind of Portage shuttle that isn't Thruway?
OvermodAre they routing this via the Madison 'dogleg' route to provide service there, or arranging some kind of Portage shuttle that isn't Thruway?
Nope running entirely on Empire Builder route, no additional thruway busses that I am aware of. I think because it is largely the initiative of MN, they preferred the direct path. Talk in MN of a Twin Cities to Eau Claire, WI train over Union Pacific. Just talk.
Empire Builder still stops at Columbus. 30 to 45 minutes from the ithymus depending on downtown traffic.
CMStPnP charlie hebdo Since much of the route is in Wisconsin, wouldn't a 2nd TC-CHI train depend on its GOP legislature appropriation ? Unlikely? Well, what is rather interesting about this first extra frequency is it was completely initiatied and pushed by Minnesota. WisDOT just agreed to go along with it since it fell into the price was right category. The states are paying a pittance for this train. For a mere $10 million, MN is getting all the loot outlined above. Wisconsin, didn't pay that much either. So my guess is the train never would have been launched in the first place without all this assistance from the Feds. So I think the second frequency if there is one will probably either need the same incentives or the first frequency will do so well on a cost basis, they might fund more of the second one as a means to lower the operating costs of both. So a lot depends on how well the first train does and/or if the Feds come up with another package of incentives for the second as they did for the first. MN is the one already hyping on another frequency. WisDOT has not said anything on it yet.
charlie hebdo Since much of the route is in Wisconsin, wouldn't a 2nd TC-CHI train depend on its GOP legislature appropriation ? Unlikely?
Well, what is rather interesting about this first extra frequency is it was completely initiatied and pushed by Minnesota. WisDOT just agreed to go along with it since it fell into the price was right category. The states are paying a pittance for this train. For a mere $10 million, MN is getting all the loot outlined above. Wisconsin, didn't pay that much either. So my guess is the train never would have been launched in the first place without all this assistance from the Feds. So I think the second frequency if there is one will probably either need the same incentives or the first frequency will do so well on a cost basis, they might fund more of the second one as a means to lower the operating costs of both.
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