Our Vision
Iowa’s rail transit network currently only consists of 6 stations across two routes, all only seeing one train a day in each direction. We envision a network across our state that adds more routes, more destinations, and more frequent service.
We need your help in lobbying state legislators and local officials to take passenger rail seriously, and making moves to actually advance rail projects rather than just propose them.
While no new projects are currently under construction in Iowa, there are 4 projects with the potential to bring rail service into the state.
Iowa City, Pop-Up Metro
Iowa City is currently considering a 3-year lease with Pop-Up Metro for a battery-electric trainset that would run on an 8.2-mile route between downtown Iowa City and North Liberty. The purpose of this agreement would be to perform a “live study” of the line and evaluate its potential for permanent commuter rail in the future. Discussions about the proposal are happening this year, and initial revenue service could begin as early as fall 2025.
Chicago-Rockford Intercity Rail, Metra
Illinois has committed funding towards an intercity rail route between Chicago and Rockford, with construction scheduled to begin next year with revenue service as early as 2025. Illinois DOT has chosen Metra, Chicago’s commuter rail provider, to operate the service over Amtrak. The initial service will provide two round trips per day.
The Chicago-Rockford runs on a section of our proposed Chicago-Sioux City route, and a study has already been done on potentially extending this line as far west as Dubuque.
Chicago-Quad Cities, Amtrak
Illinois has committed funding towards an Amtrak route between Chicago and Moline. The corridor currently has roughly $500 million allocated in federal and state funding, and is currently in Step 1 of the FRA’s Corridor ID Program. However, there has been no progress toward beginning construction on the route, as the Illinois DOT and the host railroad are currently in negotiations for allowing passenger trains onto the line. There is no timetable for initial service.
This project runs on a section of our proposed Chicago-Omaha route. Chicago-Iowa City is included in Amtrak’s ConnectsUS plan.
Omaha Streetcar
The City of Omaha has committed to building a 3-mile streetcar line, with initial service to begin in 2027. As the largest suburb of Omaha, Council Bluffs would be a prime candidate for either an extension of the original line, or the destination of a second line. However, no study of extending to Council Bluffs is currently ongoing.