News Bulletin - MnDOT Seeks Public Input for Updating the Minnesota State Rail Plan

February 6, 2024

MnDOT would like your input as the Minnesota State Rail Plan is being updated. This is your chance to provide direct input on your thoughts and opinions about more passenger rail service in our state.

The survey is short, and you can provide additional commentary if you wish. At the end of the survey, there is an interactive map about where you believe additional passenger rail service should be added.

The two routes that All Aboard Minnesota is focusing on and advocating for as the next best potential for Minnesota (beyond adding the 2nd Twin Cities Chicago train, and Twin Cities to Duluth service) are:

1. Daytime St. Paul to Fargo/Moorhead service on the existing Empire Builder route through St. Cloud

2. Twin Cities to Kansas City service through Albert Lea, MN, and Des Moines, IA which would connect us to the Southwest Chief Amtrak service to Los Angeles, CA, and the California Zephyr serving San Francisco, CA. You can find more information about these two routes on our site in the About/Vision area: AAMN Vision Section

Please take the survey and help us in supporting these additional passenger train routes in Minnesota which combined with the 2nd Twin Cities Chicago train, and service to Duluth, will serve more than 70% of the states population.

Here is the full text and links for MnDOT's public service request:

MnDOT invites Minnesota residents, businesses, railroad fans and stakeholders to provide feedback to help set the vision and policy guidance for future public investment in Minnesota’s multimodal transportation system. Minnesotans can provide feedback through spring 2024 in the following ways:

  • Take the 5-minute online survey to share your experiences with freight or passenger rail in Minnesota.
  • Use the interactive map to provide feedback on specific rail crossings, stations and locations.
  • Participate in our public engagement process by attending an upcoming meeting or pop-up event.
  • Please consider forwarding this email to friends, colleagues or family who may wish to get involved, provide feedback or stay informed by subscribing to project updates.

More information
Learn more about the Minnesota State Rail Plan update and how to stay involved and up to date.



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