Passenger rail can play a key role in our transit system

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

From an editorial in the La Crosse Tribune:

A story Sunday by Tribune reporter Chris Hubbuch told what it is like to ride the train between here and Milwaukee.

Most riders appreciate the opportunity to meet other people and view the scenery on the train. But these days, train travel can play a role in helping people conserve energy. In an era of high gasoline prices (that could easily be the way of the future), it makes sense to have rail passenger service as an alternative to either automobiles or the airlines. Rail already is an important part of the transportation system in the densely populated northeast corridor, where trains provide additional links between the major cities.

But it also can play an important role in the rest of the country — particularly in medium-length regional routes, such as between Chicago and the Twin Cities.