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The MPO
Wants to Know...

The MPO supports the Midwest Passenger Rail Initiative to extend passenger rail service throughout the Midwest, including the proposed service from Chicago to Omaha via Des Moines. To further this effort, the MPO serves on the Iowa Department of Transportation's Passenger Rail Advisory Committee.

MPO representatives have met with Amtrak officials regarding the extension of passenger rail service to Des Moines. The MPO is also addressing where a passenger rail station could be located as well as how this service would interact with other transportation services. The Public Transportation Roundtable supports these endeavors.

Four railroads serve the metropolitan planning area: Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Northern Southern, Union Pacific, and Iowa Interstate. Railroad companies make most decisions regarding track improvements independent of federal, state, or local involvement. However, some federal, state, and local funding programs are available and have assisted in railroad improvements. The MPO's Freight Roundtable supports future improvements to railroad infrastructure by railroads serving the metropolitan area.