Amtrak expansion from OKC to KC (Oklahoma City, Tulsa: 2009, condo, shop)

[happytown]

Oklahoma State Senate has introduced a joint resolution proclaiming Oklahoma's support for the State of Kansas, the Kansas Department of Transportation, and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for their participation with the Amtrak feasibility study requested by the Kansas Department of Transportation on February 11, 2008; and directing distribution.

THAT the Oklahoma Legislature urges the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to jointly participate with the Kansas Department of Transportation in the expanded passenger rail service study as a part of a new passenger rail transportation corridor between the points of Kansas City and Fort Worth, Texas.

More info...
http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/20.../SJR35_int.rtf

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by happytown

Oklahoma State Senate has introduced a joint resolution proclaiming Oklahoma's support for the State of Kansas, the Kansas Department of Transportation, and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for their participation with the Amtrak feasibility study requested by the Kansas Department of Transportation on February 11, 2008; and directing distribution.

THAT the Oklahoma Legislature urges the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to jointly participate with the Kansas Department of Transportation in the expanded passenger rail service study as a part of a new passenger rail transportation corridor between the points of Kansas City and Fort Worth, Texas.

More info...
http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/20.../SJR35_int.rtf

I sure wish they would divert that rail through Tulsa. It wouldn't be out of the way.

[happytown]

Originally Posted by Synopsis

I sure wish they would divert that rail through Tulsa. It wouldn't be out of the way.

I dont know why either Synopsis.

[Synopsis]

Regardless if it is true or not, this is just more ammo (an maybe justifiably so) that Tulsa is often ignored by the state. Why on earth would the state condone a rail line to KC that bypasses the second largest city in the state, which is on the way to KC?

It makes no sense. A rail line to through Tulsa would serve both OkC and Tulsa very well.

[HeatherDawn]

Has anybody ridden this lately? I rode from Purcell to Ft. Worth and decided that unless gas was $5 a gallon, I wasn't doing that anymore.

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by HeatherDawn

Has anybody ridden this lately? I rode from Purcell to Ft. Worth and decided that unless gas was $5 a gallon, I wasn't doing that anymore.

I've heard that the rail line from Fort Worth to OkC was fairly inefficient due to AmTrak having to use tracks that are priority for cargo trains. In short, they have to amend their schedules according to Burlington Northern, Frisco, or other cargo trains.

They need to have a dedicated line. If they did that, it would be great.

[nightbird47]

Originally Posted by happytown

Oklahoma State Senate has introduced a joint resolution proclaiming Oklahoma's support for the State of Kansas, the Kansas Department of Transportation, and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for their participation with the Amtrak feasibility study requested by the Kansas Department of Transportation on February 11, 2008; and directing distribution.

THAT the Oklahoma Legislature urges the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to jointly participate with the Kansas Department of Transportation in the expanded passenger rail service study as a part of a new passenger rail transportation corridor between the points of Kansas City and Fort Worth, Texas.

More info...
http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/20.../SJR35_int.rtf

YES YES YES

The southern route west goes through Texas for more than a day (at about 25 mph) and strands you in San Antonio overnight. The route through the midwest is beautiful and takes a day less. I would absolutely love to be able to get to KC or somewhere closer and be able to take so much less time and such beautiful scenery across New Mexico.

I go on the train since I'm taking a trip to enjoy myself, and won't fly and love the lack of hastle of driving. I hope this happens, it would be Wonderful!

[happytown]

Originally Posted by Synopsis

I've heard that the rail line from Fort Worth to OkC was fairly inefficient due to AmTrak having to use tracks that are priority for cargo trains. In short, they have to amend their schedules according to Burlington Northern, Frisco, or other cargo trains.

They need to have a dedicated line. If they did that, it would be great.

It probably is not too inefficient if they are going to expand the service, but I know what you mean. I imagine the service would upgrade if they expand. It needs to make a stop in Tulsa.

I have taken the flyer to Ft. Worth and it seems to be a pretty good alternative to driving, considering you dont have to deal with traffic, wear on the old car etc.

Here is a little more info.

City in quest for passenger rail

Mark Schlachtenhaufen
The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — Edmond is one of the more active participants among cities pursuing inclusion along a potential 606-mile corridor that would connect to the national rail system, City Council members heard Monday.

The city is mulling the possibility of building a rail depot in the downtown area on city-owned land south of Second Street, east of the railroad tracks.

During the workshop, council members discussed using a potential downtown depot as a hub for rail, bus and trolley service. They said passenger rail could draw tourists or commuters to downtown businesses and spur economic and housing development.

Edmond is part of an Amtrak expansion feasibility study sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation in cooperation with the Oklahoma and Texas departments of transportation.

Previously, officials announced that 13 cities in Kansas and four in Oklahoma expressed interest in being in the study for the portion between Kansas City and Oklahoma City.

Cities in Kansas included in the study are Lawrence, Topeka, Emporia, Strong City, Newton, Wichita and Winfield-Arkansas City.

Oklahoma cities included are Ponca City, Perry, Guthrie, Edmond, Oklahoma City, Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Davis and Ardmore.



It looks like it most likely happen.

link...
The Edmond Sun, Edmond, OK - City in quest for passenger rail

[Synopsis]

I dearly do hope they upgrade the service from Cowtown to OkC. I would take the train all of the time if that was the case. Besides, I just LOVE trains.

[HeatherDawn]

Yuck. I thought it was cramped, dirty and smelly. Not for me, I guess...