Our state is closely tied to the history and future of rail transportation. When Missouri’s great orator Thomas Hart Benton brought the idea of a transcontinental railroad to the Missouri Legislature’s attention in 1849, the concept seemed doubtful. But, like forward-thinkers Missourians have always been, a railroad system became an integral piece of Westward Expansion.
Today, that railroad system still exists in Missouri. Both freight and passenger rail services are utilized. Use of the rail system had declined in the past decades because of the convenience of over-the-road transportation. However, in light of rising fuel costs, rail service is becoming more popular. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Amtrak ridership increased from approximately 164,000 in 2010 to 191,000 in 2011. Amtrak states that the on-time percentage for the Missouri River Runner route has grown to 96 percent as of January 2012 and has averaged 96 percent for the last 12 months.
Last year, MoDOT conducted a series of meetings to find out issues regarding rail service. Many topics were discussed, including improving current passenger and freight services, and how the state and the service providers might fund and benefit from increasing public use of rail service.
In terms of passenger rail service, the major concern noted was reliability and timeliness of the trains. Making sure that the train runs on time should be a priority, because the River Runner, which runs daily from Kansas City to St. Louis, is important to people who travel and conduct business across the state. Another idea brought forward during public forums dealt with expanding passenger rail service to include Springfield and Branson from the Kansas City hub, thus drawing more people to utilize the service.
Public concerns regarding freight rail are also important. One of the main products hauled by rail in Missouri is coal. If coal were hauled by truck over highways, the weight would harm our roads. In turn, if the need for coal is cut in this country, how would that affect Missouri’s freight rail service?
Of course, a main concern is how to fund continuing and developing rail service. Shortfalls in the state budget mean that tough decisions have to be made. Communities that use rail service are interested to know how expanding rail service would impact them, and if federal or state subsidies would be available to help improve local stations and track. Private rail companies were also mentioned as a way to fund improvements.
As a member of the newly formed Legislative Rail Caucus, I look forward to addressing these questions and many more. I am also proud to serve as an alternate on the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission, and to bring Missouri’s concerns to the Midwest. As a patron of the passenger rail service, I feel a connection to its potential. Trains can continue to serve our state as they have for 150 years, and can remain affordable and efficient. With the River Runner service and the numerous freight trains that travel the area, the 31st Senatorial District will play a big role in the future of railroad use.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.
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