Trains in Iowa (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City: to rent, to live, prices)

[danielsard]

Hi, I am trying to start a group of supporters of Amtrak expansion in Iowa that could reach places like Ames, Nevada, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, etc. I really would like to know if you would support a rail expansion as the one I'm thinking about. If I could get a fairly large group in favor, I could start a petition online, as they are really easy to start and can be sent via email to collect signatures reaching ultimately our elected representatives who could later consider this idea.

There is infrastructure, around Iowa for trains as you can hear freighters going by from many places in our state. I'm sure a deal can be reached to get companies like Union Pacific to rent their tracks to the AMTRAK as they do in Illinois and God knows where else.

I'm only surveying if it would be enough support for me to start the petition, I hope this is not grounds for banning as advertising

Thanks for your time

Danielsard

[jdhoskinson]

With gas prices spiralling out of control and no meaningful effort to rid ourselves of our dependence on others, maybe now is the time to push for an advanced rail system like our friends in Europe and Japan. Live in Iowa City and rail commute to Cedar Rapids? Live in Des Moines and attend classes at Iowa State? I vote "yes".

Good question, Y...er...danielsard.

[zz4guy]

I would like to see a train from Cedar Rapids to Dubuque, then Chicago. From what I hear the Dubuque - Chicago train is already in the works. It would be nice to get to Chitown and not have to worry about parking a car.

[fenix]

Sign me up. I would support it, especially in the case of cr-ic.

[El Rhino]

I'd be interested, especially if there were easy routes from Des Moines to say, Omaha, KC, Chicago, Twin Cities, etc in addition to a good instate line.


Who are you, by the way? I mean, are you with an organization or are you just some grassroots dude or what?

[danielsard]

I am part of a few groups of students in facebook who are pushing for extra rail lines throughout the midwest. I decided to work on the Iowa part as our state doesn't have many passenger rail options at all, and I also preferred to take this issue outside the few people that could read it on FB and take it to the Iowa local people who have a stronger voice and can help more with this important issue

[mfrerkes]

The Quad Cities is already way out in front on this issue:

Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition | Vision

Senators Barack Obama and Charles Grassley have been involved in the process, and I would expect Amtrak will be coming to eastern Iowa within the next five years.

[pattywilson]

I think its a great idear to get a Train service going through Iowa,I spent 3 months there once and thou l love Iowa the train would be a great asset for everyone,been back a couple of more times and would love to live there if it was possible....good luck

[danielsard]

Thanks, I think if El Rhino and the rest of the site staff allow me, by next week I will post the link to the petition, as I can tell there is support for this idea

[mfrerkes]

Originally Posted by danielsard

Thanks, I think if El Rhino and the rest of the site staff allow me, by next week I will post the link to the petition, as I can tell there is support for this idea

Congress is already working on legislation for getting the funding and routes set up. I would contact your local representative and senator to make your voice heard on this issue.