Midwest High Speed Rail Association Vision for a Midwest Rail Network

Midwestern states and local governments are planning to connect major cities and intermediate communities with fast, frequent and dependable trains (see Midwest Regional Rail Initiative).

In most cases, existing Amtrak routes would be upgraded with better trains, additional track capacity and dramatically increased speeds. In some cases lightly used freight lines would be converted into fast passenger routes. Several routes not currently served by Amtrak would be added.

Initial planning has been completed in nine Midwestern states. Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin have begun track upgrades on three core routes.

The Midwest High Speed Rail Association proposes that the higher volume routes be linked directly to O'Hare. We also propose that an express rail link connecting O'Hare and Union Station be created.