ProRailHelping people travel by train
-- and have more trains to travel

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has identified "critical intercity passenger rail, freight rail and rail safety issues" with the release of a new "Transportation for the 21st Century" report.

The study reflects the views of a variety of sources, including the State Rail Advisory Committee and a Rail Industry and Shippers Advisory Group.

The agency announced that findings will serve as a "point of departure" for the rail component of Connections 2030, the Department's multimodal transportation plan. One of the 28 members of the State Rail Advisory Committee was John Parkyn, president of the Wisconsin Association of Railroad Passengers.

"The report focuses on opportunities to maximize the strengths of individual transportation modes functioning as part of a cohesive transportation network," according to the executive summary. "The ultimate goals are to maintain and enhance the quality of life for Wisconsin's citizens and improve the competitiveness of its businesses."

The Wisconsin Rails & Opportunities Report includes maps in color showing Wisconsin's current rail system, Amtrak routes through the state, the proposed nine-state Midwest Regional Rail System and its Wisconsin component, passenger rail route possibilities via Eau Claire, and projected rail freight density through 2020.

"Intercity passenger rail service in Wisconsin provides access to commercial and cultural attractions in Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul and other parts of the country," according to the synopsis which concludes the report. (Unfortunately, the synopsis makes no mention of another benefit -- it will bring in tourists, researchers, and others to sample what Wisconsin has to offer.)

"It provides a mobility choice for those traveling in congested areas and for those who can not, or choose not to, drive or fly."

"There are many opportunities for the state to position itself for the impact of growth in both freight and passenger rail. Several opportunities involve increasing current public sector efforts along with monitoring the rail industry to ensure that Wisconsin business and citizens continue to have a viable alternative for shipping freight and transporting people."

Intercity passenger rail issues are explored in five of the 36 pages of the report, which acknowledges that expansion of passenger rail services in Wisconsin is dependent on three premises:

1. Significant federal financial support is required for expansion of intercity passenger rail.

2. The full benefits of intercity passenger rail service can only be achieved if the service is part of an integrated local, regional, and multi-state transportation network. "This approach will require intercity passenger rail service to be closely coordinated, not only with a multi-state passenger rail system, but also with a feeder bus network, local transit systems and potential commuter rail service."

3. The public sector "will be financially responsible for all rail infrastructure improvements beyond those needed to add freight capacity. Agreements with potentially affected freight railroads will have to be reached before intercity passenger rail improvements can be implemented."

Copies of the Wisconsin Rails & Opportunities Report can be downloaded from WisDOT's web site. Printed copies as well as a CD-ROM version also are available. To obtain a copy or if you have more questions about the report, e-mail bop.dtim@dot.state.wi.us or call 608/266-8108, or write Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 4802 Sheboygan Ave., Room 901 or P.O. Box 7913, Madison, WI 53707-7913.