Midwest Interstate Rail Passenger Commission Annual Meeting Update

The Midwest Interstate Rail Passenger Commission (MIPRC) held its annual meeting in Indianapolis, IN Nov 16-18. MIPRC brings together state leaders from across the region on a bipartisan basis to advocate for passenger rail improvements. Formed by compact agreement in 2000, MIPRC's current members are Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio and South Dakota are also eligible to join. The main purposes of the compact are to promote, coordinate and support regional improvements to passenger rail service.

The meeting , through the Federal Railroad Administration and State DOT updates, demonstrates there are many plans in the upper Mid-west for expanded and new passenger rail services. Seven out of the eight (8) are planning new services including Minnesota! Brian Nelson from All Aboard Minnesota attended this meeting and has provided a summary report and observations of the meeting. The opinions expressed are Nelson's alone.

Overall, its an exciting time for passenger rail. Click here to read the report