Region in Brief
The Midwest is Central to Making the National Network Work: Physically and Politically
Home to dozens of major and mid-sized cities, the Midwest is roughly the size of France, home to Europe’s first high-speed trains. The area served by Spain’s high-speed network is also similar in size.
The Issues
The Midwest must think regionally to compete on the world stage. A trip of less than 3 hours between most major cities would take its productivity and innovation to the next level.
The Obstacles
Multiple states must work together to achieve success, with Illinois and Indiana shouldering the greatest burdens. It will take a strong federal program to reach full potential, but the states can make great progress with the existing programs.
State of Development
The Federal Railroad Administration recently created a new framework called the Midwest Regional Rail Plan.
It is much more aggressive than the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, proposed by nine Midwest states, led by Wisconsin.
The Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission intends to further develop the FRA’s framework.
Getting from here to there will mean:
- Creating “regional” lines in Chicago to serve as the heart of the system
- Building new high-speed lines on several key routes
- New partnerships with private railroads to operate Regional Rail on shared-use lines
- Connecting trains to the planes at O’Hare and other major airports
High Speed Rail Starts With Chicago
As the nation’s railroad hub, Chicago has a pivotal role to play in making high-speed rail a reality in the U.S.
Chicago’s four terminal stations offer direct service to 525 stations in 36 states. There is potential for many more. What happens in Chicago truly has a national impact.
Issues: Existing stations and tracks can be upgraded to create electrified, passenger-dedicated routes into and through the city, connecting cities and towns across the region.
Obstacles: Civic, business, and political leaders must rally around an ambitious vision for reinvigorating Chicago with a reimagined transportation system. The money will follow the vision.
Fixing Chicago Union Station is essential to the National passenger rail network. Photo: Rick Harnish.
Critical Chicago-Area Projects
These projects are building blocks towards creating the Nation’s high-speed rail hub.
Midwest Action: Tell DOT Secretary Pete To Fund “CHIP”
Amtrak is seeking federal funds to upgrade Chicago Union Station and create better routes into the station. This is the first phase of a program to modernize infrastructure in the Chicago area.
Midwest States
Each state has a unique role to play in the national big-picture.
Illinois: The Nation’s Rail Hub
Nationwide success depends upon Illinois’ leadership
Indiana: Crossroads of America
Geography is a key competitive advantage for Indiana
Iowa: Foundation in Education
Iowa’s long drives call out for trains
Michigan: A Diamond in the Rough
Few states can rival Michigan’s combination of existing assets and untapped potential
Minnesota: An Emerging Powerhouse
Minnesota is long overdue for great passenger train service
Missouri: Show Me the Trains
Missouri is one of the few states with two major cities: Kansas City and St. Louis
Ohio: Gateway Between East and West
The state is pivotal to creating a network of fast, frequent trains
Wisconsin: Hub of the Heartland
Wisconsin has incredible assets and possibilities
Get Involved No Matter Where You Live
Buckeye? Cheesehead? Hoosier? Yooper or on the Mitten? Wherever you are, you can get involved in the High Speed Rail Alliance. We started in the Midwest. With you, we can keep growing across the country.
Corridors Connect The Midwest
Have breakfast in Chicago. Have lunch in Cleveland. Get back home in time for dinner.
A Midwest high-speed rail network will make it possible. The network will combine dedicated high-speed lines, upgraded shared-use lines (i.e., lines with passenger and freight trains) and transit systems.
Upgraded train service in a few key corridors can be the foundation for a dense network of fast, frequent trains across the region.
That’s how we all grow.
Connect the Nation. Expand Your Mind.
As activists, we have to think nationally, act locally, and learn constantly. In growing high speed rail capacity in the Upper Midwest, we can take our movement across the country.
Many regions. Many challenges. More possibilities.
High speed rail doesn’t happen all at once. It happens when regions work independently and work together.
Knowledge is power. Let’s get it done.
The most effective activism is educated activism. Our High Speed Rail guide gives you the background to move forward.
