Amendments Approved – Second Train Launch Date Closer

The Second Train moved one step closer to becoming a reality on March 19 with approval of

agreements between Ramsey County and Amtrak. During its regular meeting, the Ramsey

County Regional Railroad Authority (RCRRA) voted unanimously to approve amendments to

the operating and lease agreements with Amtrak that will allow the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-

Chicago Second Train to serve Union Depot in Saint Paul.

The amended agreements provide for the overnight storage of one train at Union Depot, use of an expanded area of the terminal tracks, and use of ancillary space and services with expanded use of Union Depot. While Amtrak passenger train service is still the priority, the amended agreements allow for easier access by special trains and other non-Amtrak service.

Approval of these amended agreements between the RCRRA and Amtrak is an important step toward implementation of the additional round-trip service between Saint Paul and Chicago.

This service expansion involves partnership agreements among the Federal Railroad

Administration, the state departments of transportation, the host railroad, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority, and Amtrak. These agreements are in progress and finalization was dependent on completion of the agreements between the RCRRA and Amtrak.

A service announcement is expected this spring. The schedules, fares, start date and official

name of the train service will be jointly announced when all the agreements have been finalized between the parties.

More Passenger Rail Coming to Minnesota?

The Federal Railroad Administration announced in December that it awarded $8.2 billion for passenger-rail projects nationwide, as well as passenger-rail corridor planning activities that will impact Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago (TCMC) rail service and begin exploration of additional service that could benefit Minnesotans.

Among the projects receiving funding through the federal-state program was an investment in Chicago Union Station, an initial step toward future improvements to the critical Midwest corridors hub, and the eastern terminus for the Amtrak Empire Builder and future TCMC Second Train. 

Notably, Minnesota residents could benefit from additional passenger rail service that were approved for funding of planning studies. The FRA announced 69 passenger-rail corridor selections across 44 states through the new Corridor Identification and Development Program.  Neighboring Wisconsin received funding to develop another train on the TCMC route, as well as funding to study a route from Eau Claire to the Twin Cities, linking the city to others along the line to TCMC services in St. Paul. The program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021. The selections were awarded up to $500,000 for further study and planning activities.

The Corridor ID program aims to drive future passenger-rail expansion. The FRA will work with states, transportation agencies, host and operating railroads , and local governments to develop and build passenger-rail projects "faster than before," officials said.

The  IIJA "gave us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to think smart and think big about the future of rail in America, and we are taking full advantage of the resources we have to advance world-class passenger rail services nationwide," said FRA Administrator Amit Bose.

The announced funding is in addition to the $16.4 billion investment that President Biden announced last month for 25 projects to improve passenger-rail infrastructure and service along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.

Remembering Janice Rettman: Former Great River Rail Commission Chair

Janice Rettman, former Chair of the Great River Rail Commission passed away on Nov. 18,

2023 at the age of 75, following a brief illness.

For more than 30 years, Rettman served the community, holding an array of positions, including Ramsey County Commissioner, where she focused on public transit and affordable housing.

Rettman was known for her frugal approach to government, often casting the solitary “No” vote for increasing local property taxes. Rettman often voiced her concern for economically

challenged homeowners and those with fixed incomes who would especially feel the burden of additional expenses.

In addition to Rettman’s focus on affordable housing, she served the Ramsey County

community as an advocate for public transportation, where she served for 6 years with the

Great River Rail Commission, taking on the leadership role from 2015 to 2019.

Current Great River Rail Commission Chair, Trista Martinson spoke of qualities that made

Rettman ideal for her leadership role. “Her legacy of compassion and prudence will be

remembered for many years to come. I want to offer my deepest condolences, and those of all my colleagues, to her many friends and loved ones.”

No funeral arrangements have been released at this time.

Related articles:

St. Paul Pioneer Press

Star Tribune