The Study
The Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study has completed the Tier 1 Final EIS that analyzes the feasibility of expanding existing
passenger rail service and developing a new regional passenger rail service from Chicago, Ill., to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Omaha, Neb.
Federal Railroad Administration - Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study
The purpose of this study is to:
- Evaluate potential route alternatives.
- Evaluate levels of service and ridership potential.
- Analyze potential environmental impacts.
- Determine a preferred route alternative for Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha passenger rail service.
The potential improvements would complement the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative's vision for developing an improved and expanded regional intercity passenger rail system. The completion of the study will be a major step in assessing the viability of a high-speed, regional intercity passenger rail system serving Iowa and the Midwest through this corridor. Expanding passenger rail service between Chicago and Council Bluffs-Omaha would provide decreased travel times, increased frequency of passenger rail service, and improved reliability (particularly in inclement weather) versus other travel modes.