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

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.