Twin Cities Could Get New Long-Distance Amtrak Routes in Ambitious Federal Plan
The Federal Railroad Administration has unveiled a visionary proposal that could fundamentally expand passenger rail service across the United States, including new routes that would connect the Twin Cities directly to major cities out West for the first time.
The FRA’s newly-released Long-Distance Service Study calls for over a dozen potential new Amtrak corridors of 750-2,000 miles to enhance geographic coverage and transportation access nationwide.
Proposed Twin Cities Routes
Among the proposed routes that have rail enthusiasts buzzing are three lines originating from the Twin Cities metro area:
- Twin Cities to Phoenix via Sioux Falls, Kansas City, and Amarillo
- Twin Cities to San Antonio via Kansas City and Tulsa
- Twin Cities to Denver via Sioux Falls and Rapid City
These new corridors would fill major gaps in Amtrak’s current network, establishing long-sought regional connections like linking Rapid City to Sioux Falls. Passengers could transfer in Denver to existing services like the California Zephyr to continue west towards destinations like Reno and Sacramento.
The vision for expanded long-distance service comes as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to modernize and invest in intercity passenger rail under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“We envision a future where enhanced and more frequent services link more households to jobs, education, and leisure opportunities across the nation,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose.
A Glimpse of What’s Possible for Train Fans
I recently got back from a trip out on the East Coast and was able to see so much more of the county compared to air travel. Making multiple stops in each location, we had an absolutely amazing time.
I immediately went home to see if what transportation options were available to the Minneapolis area. Unfortunately there weren’t many. That’s why I’m so excited to see more options being talked about.
Plenty of Hurdles Remain
Of course, the FRA study simply represents a visionary first step in a long process. Any new Amtrak routes would require many years of advanced planning, environmental review and billions in capital funding before construction could begin.
The agency will spend the coming months reviewing public feedback on the proposals before determining which new corridors may advance to more detailed analysis and development.
Rail advocates hope studying future growth opportunities now can help guide investment priorities to gradually expand nationwide passenger rail over the next few decades.
For train fans dreaming of new frontiers, proposals like the Twin Cities-Denver line provide a glimpse of what could be possible with an ambitious, long-term vision for intercity rail’s future.
While plenty of hurdles remain, the prospect of someday embarking on a relaxed westward rail journey from the Twin Cities has them embracing the romance of the rails.
