Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition

About the Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition

The Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition ("QC Rail") is advocating on behalf of the greater Quad City region for restored passenger rail service. A thriving metropolitan area of 400,000 residents, the Quad City region is the next most logical addition to the passenger rail system. The Quad Cities is located on a highly populated passenger rail route being considered to connect Chicago with the Quad Cities (400,000 residents), Iowa City/Cedar Rapids (390,000 residents), Des Moines (500,000 residents), and Omaha (820,000 residents).

As a result of substantial ridership increases on existing Illinois routes, the Illinois Department of Transportation and Amtrak are planning expanded routes to include restored passenger rail service between Chicago and the Quad Cities.

Amtrak service from Chicago to the Quad Cities is the lynchpin for an extended route being planned along a highly populated corridor from the Quad Cities to Iowa City, Des Moines, and Omaha. The Iowa Department of Transportation is working with Amtrak to extend service from the Quad Cities to Iowa City.

Quad Cities Amtrak Station Location Announced
Moline's Centre Station, located on River Drive across from the i Wireless Center in downtown Moline, has been recommended as the Quad Cities Amtrak Station. Based on this recommendation, the proposed Quad Cities Amtrak route would start at Centre Station and end at Chicago's Union Station. This station recommendation is part of a recently completed Metropolitan Rail Study, which was conducted over the past year through an IL DOT grant. On Tuesday, December 2nd, the Moline City Council unanimously agreed to accept the findings and recommendations of the Metropolitan Rail Study. As a result, the City of Moline will move forward in developing plans for the Quad Cities Amtrak Station to be located at Centre Station. The Metropolitan Rail Study was conducted by Hanson Professional Services and Stanley Consultants. In developing this objective station recommendation the consultants established consistent evaluation criteria that was agreed to by the study's Advisory Committee prior to the analysis being performed. A total of eight potential sites were evaluated based on their respective ability to service population centers of the Quad Cities, proximity to safe, well-lighted areas adjacent to pedestrian and vehicle corridors (which include restaurants, shops, entertainment, residential or college campuses), capability to serve as a regional intermodal transportation terminal, location near the local primary road system with efficient bridge access, and potential for appropriately sized facilities and parking. "The Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition is unified in support of the recommended Quad Cities Amtrak Station," stated Paul Rumler, Executive Director of the Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition. "This station recommendation is a major milestone in the effort to restore passenger rail service to the Quad Cities. We now have a preferred route from the Quad Cities to Chicago, a recommended Quad Cities Amtrak Station location, and detailed studies showing that service is feasible. QC Rail’s advocacy effort to fund Quad Cities Amtrak service continues to generate a lot of momentum. We look forward to working with the City of Moline, Amtrak, IDOT, host railroads, QC Rail supporters, and our elected officials to make this station and route a reality." In addition to adding a much needed transportation option, Quad Cities Amtrak service is estimated to generate 550-825 new jobs, increase household income by $11-16 million, and increase property values by $52-77 million. An Amtrak feasibility study completed in January 2008 determined that over 110,000 passengers would use the Quad Cities to Chicago service annually. "Restored passenger rail service will have a positive impact on the entire Quad City region's economy," said Jim Bohnsack, Chairman of the Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition. "Passengers will get on and off a train at the Quad Cities Amtrak Station in Moline and the Quad Cities as a whole can benefit from the resulting increased tourism, business activity, residential growth, and economic growth. This station recommendation is an exciting accomplishment for the Quad Cities."

Quad Cities Amtrak Station Location Announced

Moline's Centre Station, located on River Drive across from the i Wireless Center in downtown Moline, has been recommended as the Quad Cities Amtrak Station. Based on this recommendation, the proposed Quad Cities Amtrak route would start at Centre Station and end at Chicago's Union Station.

This station recommendation is part of a recently completed Metropolitan Rail Study, which was conducted over the past year through an IL DOT grant. On Tuesday, December 2nd, the Moline City Council unanimously agreed to accept the findings and recommendations of the Metropolitan Rail Study. As a result, the City of Moline will move forward in developing plans for the Quad Cities Amtrak Station to be located at Centre Station.

The Metropolitan Rail Study was conducted by Hanson Professional Services and Stanley Consultants. In developing this objective station recommendation the consultants established consistent evaluation criteria that was agreed to by the study's Advisory Committee prior to the analysis being performed. A total of eight potential sites were evaluated based on their respective ability to service population centers of the Quad Cities, proximity to safe, well-lighted areas adjacent to pedestrian and vehicle corridors (which include restaurants, shops, entertainment, residential or college campuses), capability to serve as a regional intermodal transportation terminal, location near the local primary road system with efficient bridge access, and potential for appropriately sized facilities and parking.

"The Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition is unified in support of the recommended Quad Cities Amtrak Station," stated Paul Rumler, Executive Director of the Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition. "This station recommendation is a major milestone in the effort to restore passenger rail service to the Quad Cities. We now have a preferred route from the Quad Cities to Chicago, a recommended Quad Cities Amtrak Station location, and detailed studies showing that service is feasible. QC Rail’s advocacy effort to fund Quad Cities Amtrak service continues to generate a lot of momentum. We look forward to working with the City of Moline, Amtrak, IDOT, host railroads, QC Rail supporters, and our elected officials to make this station and route a reality."

In addition to adding a much needed transportation option, Quad Cities Amtrak service is estimated to generate 550-825 new jobs, increase household income by $11-16 million, and increase property values by $52-77 million. An Amtrak feasibility study completed in January 2008 determined that over 110,000 passengers would use the Quad Cities to Chicago service annually.

"Restored passenger rail service will have a positive impact on the entire Quad City region's economy," said Jim Bohnsack, Chairman of the Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition. "Passengers will get on and off a train at the Quad Cities Amtrak Station in Moline and the Quad Cities as a whole can benefit from the resulting increased tourism, business activity, residential growth, and economic growth. This station recommendation is an exciting accomplishment for the Quad Cities."

IL State Legislators Ask Blagojevich to Begin the Wyanet Connection ASAP

Illinois State Representative
Pat Verschoore

View the House Letter

Illinois State Senator
Mike Jacobs

View the Senate Letter

During the QC Rail's site visit to the Wyanet Connection on Nov. 10th, participants learned firsthand that Quad Cities Amtrak service is feasible, plans for the connection are ready, and officials are eager to see the project begin. Participants, which included several state legislators, also learned that transportation officials must receive direction from the Illinois Governor to start the project.

Illinois state legislators who participated in the Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition's Wyanet Connection site visit heard the message loud and clear. The Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition partnered with State Representative Pat Verschoore and State Senator Mike Jacobs to lead an effort with their House and Senate colleagues to ask Governor Blagojevich to 'begin the final engineering and land acquisition negotiations for the Wyanet Connection as soon as possible.'"

In the letter to Governor Blagojevich legislators stated, "There is a pressing and inexpensive opportunity to move forward with an Amtrak Illinois expansion to the Quad Cities region, which will service the largest population base without passenger rail service to Chicago." Referencing the work needed to connect IAIS and BNSF tracks at the Wyanet Connection, legislators said "We should not delay the engineering and land acquisition work another month." Showing the diverse coalition of legislators making the request, legislators ended the letter saying "While only a few of us represent the Quad Cities region, we all understand how this corridor will create a stronger passenger rail network in Illinois."

During last week's legislative session, Representative Verschoore led an effort in the Illinois House by rallying 96 of his colleagues to sign the letter to Governor Blagojevich. Over 80% of the House's 118 members signed Verschoore's letter, including a mix of Democrats and Republicans and downstate and Chicago legislators. Local Representatives who signed Verschoore's letter include: Mike Boland, Don Moffitt, Jerry Mitchell, Rich Myers, and Jim Sacia. Statewide supporters included Rail Safety Committee Chair Elaine Nekritz, Mass Transit Committee Chair Julie Hamos, and members of the House Passenger Rail Caucus.

Also, Senator Mike Jacobs led a similar effort in the Illinois Senate and joined 25 of his 59 colleagues in signing a letter to Governor Blagojevich. Senator Jacobs' letter also included a mix of Democrats and Republicans from throughout Illinois. Notable Senators who joined Jacobs include: Emil Jones, Transportation Chair Antonio Munoz, Dale Risenger, and Tim Bivins.

QC Rail thanks Representative Pat Verschoore and Senator Mike Jacobs for their leadership in the effort to begin construction of the Wyanet connection. We eagerly await the opportunity to work with the State of Illinois to expand Amtrak service to the Quad Cities.

QC Rail Visits the Wyanet Connection

The Iowa Interstate train arrives at the Wyanet
Connection for the QC Rail Site Visit.

Participants see firsthand how the BNSF tracks
cross over the IAIS without a connection.

Mike Franke, Amtrak, explains the work needed to
construct the Wyanet Connection.

QC Rail participants return to the Quad Cities.

It’s full speed ahead for Quad Cities Amtrak service as a result of the Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition's site visit to the Wyanet Connection on November 10th. State legislators, Congressional staff members, and local elected and community officials gained firsthand knowledge of what is needed to make Quad Cities Amtrak service a reality. QC Rail is asking state and federal legislators to utilize this information and experience to aggressively seek funding for the Quad Cities route.

QC Rail has identified the Wyanet Connection as the most critical infrastructure improvement needed to expand Amtrak service on the preferred route from Chicago to the Quad Cities. While many people have heard of this connection, few have ever visited the site. Thanks to the Iowa Interstate Railroad, who provided the Abraham Lincoln and Hawkeye trains, QC Rail was able to organize this unique event. George Weber, IDOT Railroad Bureau Chief, and Mike Franke, Amtrak’s Assistant Vice President for State Partnerships, informed QC Rail's site visit participants about the work needed to connect the IAIS and BNSF tracks at the Wyanet Connection.

The Wyanet Connection is located just west of Princeton, where the BNSF’s route is grade-separated over the Iowa Interstate’s main track. Essentially, there currently is no connecting track between the two lines, which is needed to allow for Amtrak service to expand from Chicago to the Quad Cities.

Connection Details

To permit straightaway train movements, a connection track needs to be constructed in the site's northeast quadrant.

Approximately seven acres of land would have to be acquired to accommodate the proposed connection track.

The proposed design includes a crossover with powered switches between the two BNSF main tracks just east of the proposed turnout for the connection, and a turnout in the Iowa Interstate’s main track.

This design would accommodate a passenger train speed of 50 mph on the short connection. Train speed is 79 mph before and after the connection.

The total cost of this 4000-foot connection is estimated at approximately $5.6 million in 2007 dollars. Today's estimates range from $6-7 million.

Next Step: The Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition is working with Illinois legislators to request the IL DOT begin work as soon as possible to construct the Wyanet Connection. QC Rail is advocating for state and federal funding to construct the Wyanet Connection.

Congress Passes Amtrak Reauthorization Bill

The U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives passed the Amtrak Reauthorization Bill, which authorizes the largest ever funding amount for state intercity passenger rail capital grants. These grants will help restore passenger rail service from Chicago to the Quad Cities and extended service to Iowa City, Des Moines, and Omaha.

The Amtrak provisions were included in HR 2095, the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 and the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act. The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed HR 2095 by a voice vote on September 24th. The U.S. Senate passed HR 2095 by a 74-24 vote on October 1st. The bill now awaits signature by President Bush before becoming law.

"The Amtrak provisions passed by Congress authorize unprecedented federal support for new intercity passenger rail routes, which will help make the Chicago to Quad Cities route a reality," said Paul Rumler, Executive Director of the Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition. "Because of continued community organizing and support from key federal and state legislators, the Quad Cities is well positioned to receive funding for passenger rail service as lawmakers focus on providing residents with affordable, efficient, and reliable transportation options. The Quad Cities Congressional Delegation has provided important leadership and support to advance this regional priority."

The final Amtrak authorization is a compromise version of similar legislation passed by the House and Senate earlier this year. QC Rail worked with area lawmakers to strongly advocate for provisions that will benefit the Chicago to Quad Cities corridor.

Key provisions:

Reauthorizes Amtrak and provides a total of $13.06 billion over five years to meet Amtrak's ongoing operating and capital needs.
Authorizes $1.9 billion to encourage the development of new and improved intercity passenger rail service through an 80/20 Federal/State matching capital grant program. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to award $390 million each year on a competitive basis for projects based on economic performance, expected ridership, and other factors.
The new State Capital Grant program will allow states to use their prior year passenger rail investments as credit toward their matching dollars. Illinois will be allowed to use $15 million per year for the next three years toward their matching requirement. This would allow the state access to almost $75 million in federal funding each year without a match.
Authorizes $325 million (an average of $65 million per year) out of the State Capital Grant program for "congestion grants" to Amtrak and the States for high-priority rail corridors to increase capacity along certain lines in order to reduce congestion and facilitate ridership growth.
The bill authorizes $1.5 billion ($300 million per year) for grants to States and/or Amtrak to finance the construction and equipment for 11 authorized high-speed rail corridors.

Click on the following links for more information about the Amtrak Bill:

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin Introduces Legislation to Help Amtrak and States Keep Pace with Growing Ridership
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) recently introduced legislation that would create jobs and help Amtrak meet the increasing demand for an efficient, cost-effective and reliable alternative mode of travel. Durbin’s bill aims to promote the replacement and rehabilitation of Amtrak’s aging fleet of passenger cars and to revive the train car industry in the United States. The legislation also creates a special fund to provide a supply of passenger cars for state-supported routes, such as the Chicago to Quad Cities Amtrak route. S. 3360, known as the "Train CARS Act," provides funding to encourage manufacturers currently supplying passenger rail cars overseas to bring their modern design and manufacturing expertise to the U.S. and open manufacturing facilities here to meet growing demand. The bill also provides a tax incentive for private, domestic businesses to re-enter the passenger rail equipment business and rebuild facilities and train cars here in the U.S. Click here for a detailed summary of Senator Durbin's proposal.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin Introduces Legislation to Help Amtrak and States Keep Pace with Growing Ridership

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) recently introduced legislation that would create jobs and help Amtrak meet the increasing demand for an efficient, cost-effective and reliable alternative mode of travel. Durbin’s bill aims to promote the replacement and rehabilitation of Amtrak’s aging fleet of passenger cars and to revive the train car industry in the United States. The legislation also creates a special fund to provide a supply of passenger cars for state-supported routes, such as the Chicago to Quad Cities Amtrak route.

S. 3360, known as the "Train CARS Act," provides funding to encourage manufacturers currently supplying passenger rail cars overseas to bring their modern design and manufacturing expertise to the U.S. and open manufacturing facilities here to meet growing demand. The bill also provides a tax incentive for private, domestic businesses to re-enter the passenger rail equipment business and rebuild facilities and train cars here in the U.S.

Click here for a detailed summary of Senator Durbin's proposal.

Rep. Bruce Braley Named to the Amtrak Bill Conference Committee
Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA) announced his appointment as a conference committee member for the 2008 Amtrak Reauthorization Bill. The conference committee will develop a final version of the Amtrak Bill, which provides funding for passenger rail service. Braley is an original co-sponsor of the Amtrak bill and helped shepherd the bill through the Transportation Committee. The Quad City region's Congressional Delegation, including Rep. Phil Hare (IL), Rep. Bill Foster (IL), Sen. Dick Durbin (IL), Sen. Barack Obama (IL), Rep. Bruce Braley (IA), Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA), Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA), and Sen. Tom Harkin (IA) have all been supportive of passing the Amtrak Reauthorization Bill through the House and Senate. "I’m excited by the opportunity to continue working on the Amtrak bill and to support Iowa ’s passenger rail needs,” Braley said. “With gas prices now over four dollars per gallon, it’s time to invest in alternative forms of transportation. The Amtrak bill will help make passenger rail service between Dubuque and the Quad Cities to Chicago a reality."

Rep. Bruce Braley Named to the Amtrak Bill Conference Committee

Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA) announced his appointment as a conference committee member for the 2008 Amtrak Reauthorization Bill. The conference committee will develop a final version of the Amtrak Bill, which provides funding for passenger rail service. Braley is an original co-sponsor of the Amtrak bill and helped shepherd the bill through the Transportation Committee. The Quad City region's Congressional Delegation, including Rep. Phil Hare (IL), Rep. Bill Foster (IL), Sen. Dick Durbin (IL), Sen. Barack Obama (IL), Rep. Bruce Braley (IA), Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA), Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA), and Sen. Tom Harkin (IA) have all been supportive of passing the Amtrak Reauthorization Bill through the House and Senate.

"I’m excited by the opportunity to continue working on the Amtrak bill and to support Iowa ’s passenger rail needs,” Braley said. “With gas prices now over four dollars per gallon, it’s time to invest in alternative forms of transportation. The Amtrak bill will help make passenger rail service between Dubuque and the Quad Cities to Chicago a reality."

Rep. Phil Hare Seeks $13.5 Million Earmark for the Quad Cities Amtrak Route
Representative Phil Hare announced that he's submitted a $13.5 million funding request for Quad Cities-Chicago Amtrak Service in the FY 2009 Transportation Appropriations Act. The following is a statement from Congressman Phil Hare (IL-17) supporting the Quad Cities Amtrak Route: "The release of a feasibility study earlier this year regarding passenger rail from the Quad Cities to Chicago was very exciting news, with estimated costs significantly less than expected. I am strongly committed to returning passenger rail to our region. Amtrak’s ridership numbers, particularly in Illinois , have steadily been climbing and the demand for additional lines continues to increase. Passenger rail will help create jobs, grow businesses, and attract college students to area schools. It will also serve as a viable transportation alternative for working families who are facing record high gas prices and unprecedented cancellations and delays at our nation’s airports. At my invitation, House Transportation Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar visited the Quad Cities to meet with local supporters of Amtrak and create momentum for the project. He was able to see firsthand what we all know: a Quad Cities-Chicago line is a win-win for our region. The first passenger rail train pulled into the Quad Cities more than 150 years ago. It’s time for it to finally return to this area."

Rep. Phil Hare Seeks $13.5 Million Earmark for the Quad Cities Amtrak Route

Representative Phil Hare announced that he's submitted a $13.5 million funding request for Quad Cities-Chicago Amtrak Service in the FY 2009 Transportation Appropriations Act. The following is a statement from Congressman Phil Hare (IL-17) supporting the Quad Cities Amtrak Route:

"The release of a feasibility study earlier this year regarding passenger rail from the Quad Cities to Chicago was very exciting news, with estimated costs significantly less than expected. I am strongly committed to returning passenger rail to our region. Amtrak’s ridership numbers, particularly in Illinois , have steadily been climbing and the demand for additional lines continues to increase. Passenger rail will help create jobs, grow businesses, and attract college students to area schools. It will also serve as a viable transportation alternative for working families who are facing record high gas prices and unprecedented cancellations and delays at our nation’s airports. At my invitation, House Transportation Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar visited the Quad Cities to meet with local supporters of Amtrak and create momentum for the project. He was able to see firsthand what we all know: a Quad Cities-Chicago line is a win-win for our region. The first passenger rail train pulled into the Quad Cities more than 150 years ago. It’s time for it to finally return to this area."

QC Rail Celebrates 1st Anniversary

200 passenger rail supporters helped celebrate the Quad Cities Passenger
Rail Coalition's 1st Anniversary on May 19, 2008 aboard the Celebration Belle river boat in Moline. State and federal legislators, Amtrak officials, and Illinois and Iowa DOT officials were recognized for their support (see picture).

Ever since the Coalition was organized in May 2007, support has continued to grow. Over 300 area community and business leaders joined the coalition during its first month and by September 2007, members numbered over 1000. Currently, support for the QC Rail Passenger Rail Coalition has reached over 3800 members. Nearly 100 businesses, labor and community organizations, and governmental entities have signed on as official supporters.

The Coalition has made great strides over the past year by working with area legislators, community, labor and business leaders, and passenger rail advocates to bring restored service closer to reality. Organized as an initiative of the Illinois Quad City Chamber’s Blueprint 2010, the Coalition thrives on the excitement and support from its active Steering Committee members and Coalition supporters.

Illinois and Iowa Senators Identify Trains for Quad Cities Amtrak Service
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (IL)	U.S. Senator Barack Obama (IL)	U.S. Senator Dick Durbin recently led a group of U.S. Senators in requesting that Amtrak refurbish existing trains for the Chicago to Quad Cities Amtrak route. In a joint letter signed by Dick Durbin (IL), Barack Obama (IL), Tom Harkin (IA), Chuck Grassley (IA), Joseph Biden (DE), and Tom Carper (DE), the Senators identified former Amtrak trains being stored in a Delaware maintenance yard that could be used to restore service in the Quad Cities. This proactive step helps to alleviate a potential hurdle identified in recent Amtrak route feasibility studies: the short supply of existing trains. According to their press release: “Enthusiasm for passenger rail service is at an all-time high, driven by high fuel prices, growing congestion and environmental concern. Amtrak has seen phenomenal growth in Illinois the past few years, with all three state routes showing double digit percentage increases,” wrote the Senators. “To accommodate the expected boom in ridership...we want to ensure that we have the absolute best rolling stock available." Click here to read the letter to Amtrak's CEO
U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (IA)	U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (IA)

Illinois and Iowa Senators Identify Trains for Quad Cities Amtrak Service

U.S. Senator
Dick Durbin (IL)

U.S. Senator
Barack Obama (IL)

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin recently led a group of U.S. Senators in requesting that Amtrak refurbish existing trains for the Chicago to Quad Cities Amtrak route. In a joint letter signed by Dick Durbin (IL), Barack Obama (IL), Tom Harkin (IA), Chuck Grassley (IA), Joseph Biden (DE), and Tom Carper (DE), the Senators identified former Amtrak trains being stored in a Delaware maintenance yard that could be used to restore service in the Quad Cities.

This proactive step helps to alleviate a potential hurdle identified in recent Amtrak route feasibility studies: the short supply of existing trains. According to their press release: “Enthusiasm for passenger rail service is at an all-time high, driven by high fuel prices, growing congestion and environmental concern. Amtrak has seen phenomenal growth in Illinois the past few years, with all three state routes showing double digit percentage increases,” wrote the Senators. “To accommodate the expected boom in ridership...we want to ensure that we have the absolute best rolling stock available."

Click here to read the letter to Amtrak's CEO

U.S. Senator
Tom Harkin (IA)

U.S. Senator
Chuck Grassley (IA)

Amtrak Completes Chicago to Quad Cities Feasibility Study

In early 2007, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin raised awareness of the effort to restore passenger rail in the Quad Cities by facilitating Illinois DOT’s request for Amtrak to study service from Chicago to the Quad Cities. In February 2007, IDOT requested Amtrak conduct a feasibility study for the Quad Cities to Chicago route, which was completed in January 2008. The Amtrak feasibility study analyzes passenger rail service between the Quad Cities to Chicago, including route analysis, construction cost, ridership estimates, running time, revenue, operating expenses, necessary subsidies. Click here to view the complete study:

The Amtrak feasibility report identified the shortest and most direct route for 2 daily roundtrip departures from the Quad Cities and Chicago (Note: Capital cost does not include station costs):

Preferred Service Level: 79 mph service on Quad Cities-Naperville-Chicago via IAIS-BNSF-Amtrak

Capital Cost: $22.7 million	Annual Ridership: 110,800
Train rehabilitation: $5.6 million (3 train cars)	Running Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes
State Operating Contract: $5.9 million

“As-Is” Service at Current Speeds : “As-is” service on Quad Cities-Naperville-Chicago via IAIS-BNSF-Amtrak

Capital Cost: $5.6 million	Annual Ridership: 90,000
Train rehabilitation: $6.3 million (2 train cars)	Running Time: 4 hours
State Operating Contract: $6.3 million

Amtrak Completes Quad Cities to Iowa City Feasibility Study

Amtrak service from Chicago to the Quad Cities is the lynchpin for an extended route being planned along a highly populated corridor from the Quad Cities to Iowa City, Des Moines, and Omaha. The Iowa Department of Transportation is working with Amtrak to extend service from the Quad Cities to Iowa City.

The following are details from the recently completed feasibility study for Amtrak passenger rail service from the Quad Cities to Iowa City via the Iowa Interstate Railroad. Click here for the full report.

	"As-Is" Speeds	60 mph	79 mph
Running time:	2 hours 20 minutes	1 hour 57 minutes	1 hour 38 minutes
Estimated Annual Ridership:	43,800	60,700	76,100
Capital Cost:	$.3 million	$26.1 million	$32.5 million
Estimated Revenue:	$1.2 million	$1.7 million	$2.2 million
Estimated Operating Expenses:	$2.1 million	$1.9 million	$2.3 million

Iowa and Illinois would share the annual state operating contract for the Chicago/Quad Cities/Iowa City route.