Not relying on either state government sounds like a good approach as does building some political support locally. However, UP is going to want a kings ransom, even if the line is lightly used and that will be the largest obstacle in addition to the raising of private funds to fund this. So it's a nice dream but I think UP will kill it with the price tag it comes back with.
WTFreek why I want to go to Eu Claire? St. Paul a cold city to Eu Claire a even colder city.
$32 full fare, even with discounts, sounds steep.
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
I for one think this is pretty cool. I'm surprised there aren't many more regional projects that 'cap' their speed at 79mph (although there isn't as much joy in avoiding the Esch Act passenger limitation now that PTC is mandated for even this type of train).
I'd expect to see some interesting markets for this kind of service, probably with relatively tight interaction with ride-for-hire and paratransit services, if the 'millennial' demographics continue to accelerate toward decreased automobile ownership and long-distance use. (Although I'd have to wonder whether some kind of double-deck van Hool version of an Evans AutoRailer might be a practical alternative to the usual sorts of railborne equipment suitable for this sort of thing...)
They called it 'high speed' not me.
http://www.twincities.com/2017/02/28/all-aboard-wisconsin-passenger-rail-backers-seek-eau-claire-link-to-st-paul/
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