While a new and enhanced rail passenger service might be a good investment for some states, we're not sure how beneficial it would be for Iowa. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of a Midwest regional passenger rail system that would provide another transportation option for the Midwest region. In preparing the report, the consultants proposed a system they believe could generate high levels of ridership and revenue, and recovering, at a minimum, its operating costs. Mo. A feeder bus system would also supplement the passenger rail service to provide service to those communities for which rail is not currently a feasible option. The benefits of a Midwest regional passenger rail system, as outlined in the report, would be savings in automobile operating costs, airport and highway congestion relief, reduced energy usage and emissions, community enhancements around station locations, and the creation of 1,500 new rail operations jobs and 4,000 construction jobs.
Challenges facing such a system are considerable.
According to the report, implementation would be paced according to state affordability and market demand. Service would be established over a nine-year period and completed in six phases. Corridors with the highest ridership and level of service would be started first. In Iowa, the next step will be to seek public comment on the results of the study. In addition, the Iowa DOT will explore financing options and seek more detailed cost estimates through another study with the other Midwest states.