GAINING STEAM? Amtrak’s Empire Builder line is one of the few passenger trains that crosses Wisconsin, but railroad advocacy groups like the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition are working to change that. (Image: Nate Beal | CC BY 2.0)

The West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition has been laying the tracks to revive passenger rail service from Eau Claire to the Twin Cities for decades, and now, Leadership Eau Claire is helping them pick up speed by organizing a conference to discuss the future of rail travel. “Get on Board: Future of Passenger Rail in Western Wisconsin” will take place 7:30am-noon on Thursday, April 26. The conference is open to anyone who supports or has questions about instituting passenger rail in the region.

The conference, which will take place at The Metro 201 E. Lake St., will feature four guest speakers with extensive knowledge and experience in railroad and transportation development. William Draves, a train futurist, predicted the rise of passenger rail travel. Richard Harnish, executive director of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association, will discuss phased implementation strategies. Craig Thompson, executive director of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin, will overview transportation funding in Wisconsin and how passenger rail fits into the picture.  James Coston has experience in train operations and marketing and transportation policy. After the speakers have concluded, there will be an open dialogue with the panel. Attendees will be able to ask questions, make suggestions, and brainstorm ideas.

Scott Rogers, chairman of the board of directors of the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition, has noticed that many people are interested in passenger rail travel even though they haven’t experienced it. “They say, ‘Well why can’t we have that here?’ ” he said. “So I think there’s a lot of interest, and I think that what will happen is that there will be some sort of confirmation that the interest is well placed.”

Brandon O’Connell, who was part of the Leadership Eau Claire organization force, is excited about the possibility of a passenger rail service connecting the Chippewa Valley to the Twin Cities. “I think what it could do for the area is unbelievable,” he said. “Having the ability to live in Eau Claire and work in the Cities, to just jump on a rail and back, would be incredible.”

“All you have to do is drive down the I-94 to know that there is a lot of commerce between these communities,” Rogers added. A rail system would support that commerce, giving Twin Cities residents the option to visit the Chippewa Valley for the bike trails or the Pablo Center at the Confluence, and Valley residents the chance to jet into Minneapolis for a show at the Guthrie. It would expand travel opportunities for people who are below driving age, or people who aren’t comfortable behind the wheel, Rogers said.

Anyone may attend the passenger rail conference with the purchase of a $10 ticket to cover event expenses. Tickets are available up until the day of the event at https://bit.ly/2vi8Y4I. More information about the event and the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition is available at westwisconsinrail.org.