WATERLOO, Iowa- A visionary push to reintroduce passenger railways is gaining momentum in Eastern Iowa, led by the Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG). In the wake of the discontinuation of the Land O’ Corn passenger rail route in 1967, cities like Waterloo, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids have been devoid of passenger railway services.
INRCOG, spearheading the initiative, is in the early stages of assessing the potential impact of state and nationwide passenger railways on Iowa’s communities. Nick Fratzke, Director of Transportation at INRCOG, notes a resounding positive response from the community, expressing a keen interest in exploring expanded passenger rail options.
Collaborating with local officials and stakeholders, INRCOG has submitted an Expression of Interest to the Federal Rail Administration for a feasibility study, actively seeking public support. However, the endeavor faces challenges, with the time and resources required for the expansion of passenger railways being significant obstacles.
Fratzke acknowledges the desire for immediate solutions but emphasizes that the development of such rail routes is a long-term undertaking. The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Passenger Railway Vision Plan aligns with these aspirations, studying or planning to study cities like Des Moines, Iowa City, Waterloo, and Dubuque for routes connecting to Chicago and Omaha. Fratzke underscores that such routes would take at least a decade to materialize.
While the cost estimate for these ambitious railway projects remains unknown in the early planning stages, INRCOG emphasizes the environmental benefits of passenger railways, being more eco-friendly and around 20 times safer than automobile travel. As Eastern Iowa envisions a future with enhanced connectivity, the journey toward passenger railways is set to be one of strategic planning and public engagement.
