“We’re making good progress on the Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study, that’s bringing us even closer to restoring previously discontinued lines and creating new lines, too. This marks the beginning of a new era for American rail,” Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said. “You’ve spent years advocating for the restoration of this (Hiawatha) line. Now, you’re putting pen to paper in new ways to build the plan, the budget and the timeline to turn that advocacy into results.”

The North Coast Hiawatha emerged as a preferred route for restoration and was included in the FRA’s Corridor Identification Program. It was the only discontinued long-distance route to make the cut and is one of three long-distance routes recommended for funding, including the Cardinal and Sunset Limited lines.

According to the analysis, the route would span more than 2,300 miles and take roughly 50 hours between Chicago and Seattle. It would serve 44 stations, including 11 stations in small communities, and add service to 19 existing Amtrak stations.

Martin Kidston

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority