Oct 22, 2021 - News

What the Midwest Regional Rail Plan could mean for Des Moines travel

Linh Ta

Midwest train map — Image: Federal Railroad Administration

A newly released plan from the Federal Railroad Administration would allow Des Moines residents to travel via train to Chicago or Omaha, Nebraska.

Why it matters: Traveling from Des Moines to other states without a car isn't easy.

This dream proposal by the federal transportation agency helps take us a step closer to better commutes.

Zoom out: The Midwest Regional Rail Plan would make Chicago the hub of the Midwest, with four pillar locations — Twin Cities, Detroit, St. Louis, and Indianapolis — that would have high frequency service.

A new route from Chicago goes through the Quad Cities — and then Des Moines and Omaha.

Yes, but: Don't book that trip just yet. As the Chicago Tribune notes, the concept is only in the early stages and is intended to be a 40-year framework.

It also depends on state and federal funding.

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What the Midwest Regional Rail Plan could mean for Des Moines travel

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