News Wire: Amtrak, Minnesota officials meet on proposed Duluth-Twin Cities train

[Brian Schmidt]

DULUTH, Minn. — Amtrak officials are scheduled to be in Duluth today and tomorrow for meetings about proposed passenger service between Duluth and the Twin Cities. The Duluth News Tribune reports that Joe McHugh, Amtrak’s vice president, ...

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2019/03/11-amtrak-minnesota-officials-meet-on-proposed-duluth-twin-cities-train

[Brian Schmidt]

Supporters, Amtrak officials strike positive note after meetings on Duluth-Twin Cities train

DULUTH, Minn. — After a day of meetings with local officials, an Amtrak executive promised Monday that the passenger railroad is “going to deliver” on proposed service between Duluth and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Joe McHugh, Amtrak...

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2019/03/12-supporters-amtrak-officials-strike-positive-note-after-meetings-on-duluth-twin-cities-train

[CMStPnP]

Amtraks price is $550 million.   I'll bet Herzog could do it for half or less than half that estimate.   Maybe Minnesota will pay that to Amtrak without question.   If it was me I would seek out a second bidder and get more itemization of the costs.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

And just where would you find a second bidder?  Iowa Pacific does not exactly have a stellar reputation when it comes to passenger operations.

[charlie hebdo]

CMStPnP

Amtraks price is $550 million.   I'll bet Herzog could do it for half or less than half that estimate.   Maybe Minnesota will pay that to Amtrak without question.   If it was me I would seek out a second bidder and get more itemization of the costs.

 

Does/has Herzog operate(d) any passenger rail beyond transit?

[CMStPnP]

charlie hebdo

Does/has Herzog operate(d) any passenger rail beyond transit?

When you say "transit" I think of the EL trains.   I don't think beyond commutter rail but lack of experience didn't stop Iowa Pacific from attempting to make the stretch.    Herzog has quite a growing franchise in Dallas, they Rebuilt the Fort Worth to DFW Airport Cotton Belt Line, landed the contract to rebuild the Plano to DFW Airport Cotton Belt Line, Rebuilt the former Rock Island between Dallas and Fort Worth and have the Trinity Railway Express contract.