There are a lot of groups releasing information and recommendations about high-speed rail, where it makes sense, and where should it go first. A newly released report based on a great deal of research makes some interesting recommendations that support the proposed St. Paul to Chicago route.
America 2050’s report categorizes the different areas where high-speed rail projects are being considered and what, based on their criteria, makes the most sense. The group developed some recommendations where the “first phase” projects should be built. They recommend the proposed high-speed route from Chicago to St. Paul be part of the first phase of work.
The recommendations are based on work by the group to look at 27,000 “city pairs” around the country. They created an index of city pairs with the greatest demand for high-speed rail service and where metro areas can be connected.
With Chicago as the Midwest’s hub, the proposed route would connect the Twin Cities and Milwaukee to Chicago and other cities. You can read the full report here.
America 2050 is a national initiative to meet the infrastructure, economic development and environmental challenges of the nation as we prepare to add about 130 million additional Americans by the year 2050.
It’s important that it follow the current Amtrak rail line. These communities have been long term rail supporters.