Studies To Revive Amtrak Chicago/ Seattle Passenger Service Through Southern Montana Continue

We received an email December 6th from Senator Jon Tester's office praising his efforts, stating that “as a direct result of his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and as a part of his continued effort to better connect Montana families and small businesses, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today secured $500,000 in Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) funds for the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority to develop a comprehensive passenger rail plan to reinstate the historic North Coast Hiawatha Amtrak route through southern Montana.” A route that was discontinued in 1979.

While we love train rides and the concept of reinstating a southern passenger line, we’re just not sure it’s a good thing overall.

The newest study we could find on North Coast H...