Newsletter 2/27/26: North Carolina Rail Study and Bears Stadium Proposal

North Carolina Study Finds Asheville Passenger Rail Expansion Would be Good for the Economy

North Carolina has long been aware of the value of supporting passenger rail in the state. Now there are hard numbers to quantify that value on a “new” route.

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Chicago Bears Stadium Proposal Should Include Regional Rail

The Chicago Bears are considering two non-Chicago sites for a new stadium: Arlington Heights, IL and Hammond, IN. Regional rail should be a deciding factor: Arlington Heights has a train station with service that can be improved, while the Hammond site doesn’t have passenger rail access and never will have it.

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Transportation Backers Urge Hourly Train Service Throughout Midwest

Members of the High Speed Rail Alliance are urging Illinois legislators to support a measure that would require the Illinois Department of Transportation to plan for hourly service, at minimum, in several strategic corridors.

HB 4279, sponsored by Representative Rita Mayfield, and SB 3285, sponsored by Senator Ram Villivalam, would create the Passenger Rail Planning Act. The bill’s passage will affirm the General Assembly’s determination to make great trains a reality in Illinois. 

“We should have more trains running to more places,” Mayfield says. “My bill would put this vision into our rail plan so over time, Illinois and the entire Midwest can enjoy the benefits of hourly train service.”

“What we’re saying is, it is time now to design for success, to design for hourly service,” said Rick Harnish with the High Speed Rail Alliance.

Learn More:

Support the Passenger Rail Planning Act (Video)

Wanted: Faster Trains

Illinois Lawmakers Push for Hourly Train Service

Illinois Bill Could Set Goals for Hourly High Speed Trains Across Midwest

Proposed Passenger Rail Planning Act Could Bring Hourly Train Service to Champaign

Take Action: Illinois residents can tell their legislators to support hourly trains!

A map showing proposed frequency levels on routes out of Chicago.

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