It would be great to make Chicago connections from Memphis (via the City of New Orleans) to the Twin Cities and arrive there early enough to rent a car. The 10:31 arrival time makes that impractical. The City of New Orleans is my train into the Windy City, but the Empire Builder leaves too late (2:15 PM if on time) to work for me unless I’m traveling out West. If this proposal works out, I’d like to see a mid-morning departure for the second westbound Empire Builder.
Yes, The Milwaukee Road used to post “Reduce to 90” for the State Line curve and the Rondout diamonds, and yes, streamlined steamers routinely exceeded 100 mph on the service. Passenger Rail advocates can lament how far there still is to go, or work productively to get some of the excessively costly mandates that go with 110 mph running modified, so that existing cars, locomotives, and tracks can live up to that potential.
Scoot Walker having a change of heart? maybe he realized that Wisconsin’s citizen WANT rail. Oh’ by the way Goosie, Are you blind to the fact that more people are riding trains and yes, Amtrak has made significiant ridership gains.
Gov. Walker is not against passenger rail. He is against stupid costly ideas. The Democrats wanted to spend $810 Million to do essentially this same thing. Now it will probably be done for half the cost. I love how everyone says “the people of Wiscosin want HSR”. WE, the people of Wisconsin voted for Gov. walker, TWICE!
There is no question Amtrak has made huge gains in recent years. However, I highly doubt rail in the U.S. will ever come close to that in Europe for the simple fact of distance. There is simply too much distance between major cities for rail to overtake airplanes.
For a reality check on the Chi.-Milw. corridor priorities, just drive south from the Marquette interchange to the state line…a billion here, a billion there. 65 minute trains, non-stop, downtown to downtown on the CM division a pleasant memory. Don’t hold your breath.
Maybe Illinois and Minnesota should look at service over the ex-CB&Q route. It would still go throuh Wisconsain but trains probably wouldn’t have to spend near as much time. One thing that very definitely looked at is an extension of the last northbound run of the day to Mineapolis or St. Cloud with the first southbound trip being extended from there. Perhaps thaat quite possibly lead to even further service wast. Bring back the Westrn Star! lol
Other than a handful of toll roads, which Mr. Guse apparently works for, what highway system isn’t subsidized and makes money? What airline would make money if it actually paid the full cost of the airports and air traffic control? What barge system doesn’t rely on federally built lock and dams? Pipelines might come as close to being an unsubsidized form of transportation as there is, Mr. Guse, but I don’t think they’ve figured out how to move people in a pipeline — well, at least and keep them alive until the end of the trip.
Mr. Guse, please, finally, explain to us how all those other systems are operating without subsidy. We’ve all had to put up with your delusions for an awfully long time. It is time for you to explain why passenger rail is different than these other government subsidize transportation systems. It is time to answer.
I’d rethink calling Wisconsin an economic engine. According to recent data, Wisconsin is trailing its neighbors (Ill., Mn. and Iowa,) in most economic measures.
Oh, as for a schedule for a second Chi Town to MSP train, the current EBldr. already runs roughly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. What might be needed is an overnight train, departing St. Cloud evening and getting to Chicago somewhere 6-8 a.m.
It looks like Goosie would suck the last breath from his mothers lungs and then puke down her throat. Never saw such negativity in one person, he must be a Tea Party member.
Please! Not another study! Just do it!