Quarter 1, 2024 Newsletter

In this issue:

• FRA Reveals Proposed New Long Distance Routes- see map below
• Amtrak Issues RFP for Long Distance Equipment
• 2nd Twin Cities-Chicago Train Update
• St. Paul Union Train Days June 1-2

1. FRA Reveals Proposed New Long Distance Routes

On Feb 14, the FRA revealed in the third stakeholder meeting (AAMN is part of the stakeholder group), their Proposed Network of Preferred Routes. The study is for the proposed resumption of long distance routes only that were run by Amtrak but since discontinued, non-daily long distance routes (Cardinal and Sunset), and routes that ran prior to Amtrak's creation in 1971.

The FRA studied traffic flow patterns between urban and rural areas to determine where routes should be added to the current long distance system for geographic regions that are not served by rail passenger service today. To evaluate the range of route options, four major categories of criteria were used:

1. Metro Travel Flows
2. Rural Access
3. Overall Geographic Coverage
4. Stakeholder Input

For Minnesota and the Upper Mid-West, this proposed network of preferred routes has some major implications. Twin Cities to Denver was identified as a major market travel flow, along with Twin Cities to the Southwest and Texas.

The FRA proposed new long distance routes for Minnesota and the Upper Mid-West Include:

1. Restoration of the North Coast Hiawatha from Chicago to Seattle, routing through Minnesota (current Empire Builder route) southern North Dakota and Montana (route of Northern Pacific's North Coast Limited).

2. Twin Cities to San Antonio Texas, routing through Albert Lea, MN, Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO Tulsa, OK, Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.

3. Twin Cities to Phoenix, AZ, routing through Sioux Falls, SD, Omaha, NE, Kansas City, MO, Newton, KS, Albuquerque, NM, Flagstaff, AZ

4. Twin Cities to Denver, routing through Sioux Falls, and Pierre, SD, Cheyenne, WY

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All Aboard Minnesota applauds the FRA's innovative thinking to serve currently underserved regions of the country, especially in the West and Upper-Midwest. In total, 15 new and restored routes are proposed. If implemented, they would add 23,000 more long distance route miles, serve 19M more people across the country and serve 89% of the total US population.

This is a major step, but a first step only. Holistic service plans for all these routes will need to be conducted, and the timeline for implementation for any of these routes is at least 10 years or more away.

The next steps are to conduct the final stakeholder meeting in late May, in which the FRA will reveal their modeling of costs and benefits of the proposed routes, implementation schedules, and present the final long distance study recommendation. After this meeting, the final report will be submitted to Congress. This is the first major plan the FRA has conducted for restoration and addition of new long distance routes and is an exciting step. We will keep you posted as the study and final recommendations evolve.

The FRA is soliciting feedback through March 8, so please provide your thoughts. Here is a link to the FRA Long Distance Study Website where you can provide feedback and read the Stakeholder Meeting Materials;

FRA Long Distance Study

2. Amtrak Issues Long Distance Equipment RFP - But There are Concerns

In December 2023, Amtrak issued an RFP to replace equipment for long-distance trains, some of which has been in service since 1979. While we applaud this move, we are concerned that the number of out of service cars for long distance trains is now at an all time high. For example, the Empire Builder continues to run one coach short compared to pre-Covid consists. Many other long distance trains are running with reduced consists also, limiting ridership and revenue potential.

Amtrak has announced that it has recently spent $28M on long distance equipment, but this is largely a cosmetic refresh. Many Superliner 1 (the equipment delivered 1979-81) and Viewliner 1 cars need major mechanical overhauls to keep operating reliably. New long distance equipment delivery at the earliest is 8-10 years away, and we are concerned that more cars could be taken out of service, which could threaten daily service on long distance routes.

AAMN has met with Minnesota's US Congressional Delegation to voice these concerns and ask for the US Congress to hold Amtrak management accountable to run the long distance network properly.

James Tilley, President, Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers, recently addressed a letter to Amtrak Board Chair Anthony Coscia outlining some recommendations on how Amtrak can keep the current fleet viable until new equipment arrives.

Click here to read his letter: Tilley Letter


3. 2nd Twin Cities to Chicago Train Update

AAMN recently learned that the operating agreements between Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Amtrak, and Canadian Pacific Railway are being negotiated and are possibly nearing completion, which is great news! WisDot announced at at Wisconsin Association of Railroad Passengers meeting in early February that the service will be called the "Borealis". Contacts at Amtrak have told us that the 2nd train will begin operation with refurbished Horizon equipment. Having recently ridden a corridor train with this type of equipment, we can definitely state that it was quite comfortable and attractive. All Aboard Minnesota will stay on top of this developing situation. Once we know when service begins we will publicize the start date and plan to be on-site at St. Paul Union Depot for the first run! Stay Tuned! ​

4. St. Paul Union Depot Train Days, June 1-2

St. Paul Union Depot will be hosting Train Days on June 1-2, 10am-4pm both days. AAMN will be there and we would love it if you could stop by and talk with us. Share your recent Amtrak experiences, and your thoughts on passenger rail developments in Minnesota. We will certainly share our thoughts with you!

The event is posted on our website with a full description on the Events Page