Illinois bill could set goals for hourly high speed trains across Midwest

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Democratic lawmakers have filed a bill to require the Illinois Department of Transportation include passenger rail frequencies in the state's rail plan.

Sponsors and advocates are calling for high-speed rail trains running hourly from Chicago to Champaign and every four hours to Carbondale and Memphis.

They also hope to see trains running from Chicago to Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville and Atlanta at least hourly.

Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) said the Passenger Rail Planning Act would put this vision into the state's rail plan so Illinois and the entire Midwest can enjoy the benefits of hourly train service.

"Communities across the state, from Rockford to East St. Louis, would start seeing hourly passenger service with expanding services across our country like Madison, Wisconsin, and Cleveland, Ohio," Mayfield said.

The legislation also encourages IDOT to nominate these goals for inclusion in the Federal Railroad Administration's Corridor Identification and Development Program.

This plan does not include funding for planning, construction, or the purchase of equipment for the routes. However, sponsors believe the plan is the first step towards a massive high-speed rail expansion.

"Frequency of service is critical to the success of regional rail and long-distance trains," said Rick Harnish, executive director of the High Speed Rail Alliance. "Potential users need options and opportunities to travel throughout the day. While we want these trains to reach speeds of 125 miles per hour or more, for passengers, frequency equals speed."

House Bill 4279 is assigned to the House Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges Committee. Senate Bill 3285 is assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee.

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