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Heartland Flyer Revival Save Email Print
Posted: 2:42 PM Mar 20, 2008
Last Updated: 2:42 PM Mar 20, 2008
Email Address: chris.frank@kake.com

A | A | A

A grassroots effort for a railroad revival is picking up steam across Kansas. A campaign to bring the Heartland Flyer through Oklahoma and connect Wichita passengers to Dallas and Kansas City is on track. However, before anything can be done, there must be a study to see whether the service would even be feasible.

Kansas Department of Transportation Spokesman Tom Hein says, "We'd like to implement a study to identify the potential impacts of expanded passenger rail service in Kansas."

In fact, Hein says KDOT is prepared to pay Amtrak up to $200,000 for the feasibility study.

"They'd be looking at the capacity of rail lines now and for projections in the future," Hein explains. " We'd be looking at the infrastructure that's in place now and what kind of improvements might need to be made to put passenger service on those rails rather than just freight."

Supporters want Amtrak's service from Dallas-Fort Worth to Oklahoma City to be extended to Wichita and on to Kansas City. There are a lot of communities wanting train stops.

The study is a fact finding mission with the hope of coming up with the numbers needed to make recommendations to lawmakers who make funding decision. The survey would likely start this summer.

"We want to be able to make informed decisions on whether we want to go forward with this," says Hein.

It could be next year before the study is completed and who knows when before passenger service is actually restored to Wichita's tracks.

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Posted by: Roger Location: Grand Island NE on Mar 22, 2008 at 10:44 AM
The Heartland Flyer could go beyond Kansas City to Omaha and Lincoln Nebraska. We need better north-south passenger train service.

Posted by: Carey Location: Lawrence on Mar 22, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Thanks for a heartening story about an initiative that can help get polluting cars off the road and yet still get people to destinations in Kansas at the same time. We need to hear about smart climate protection options like this after a tiresome legislative session. Topeka needs to get on board and support this initiative that costs them nothing!

Posted by: Nelson Location: Norman, OK on Mar 21, 2008 at 08:47 AM
This is great and just what we need for the midwest. So many people want to catch the Heartland Flyer and go to Kansas. Why should be go down to Dallas, get re-routed for another 24-48 hours to arrive at Kansas? If you support this and get the train ready, we'll be the first to take the train to Kansas City. Go Heartland Flyer!

Posted by: Me on Mar 21, 2008 at 05:59 AM
Something that should have been studied and implemented a long time ago. Trains can move people and freight much more efficently than cars and trucks. At least they are looking at it now and I hope that something good comes of it.

Posted by: oh well on Mar 20, 2008 at 06:56 PM
to bad the only reason the train corridor was "upgraded" was for the north american union, linking canda, united states, and mexico as one nation. google it and then look at the images and maps... one of them says "Coming 2010" the new "train service" will flow through the North American Super Corridor.

Posted by: James Location: w on Mar 20, 2008 at 05:23 PM
This is so typical of Kansas; the government can't do anything without a study or a consultant; I am surprised some of them are able to go the restroom without help

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