Column by Carly Wetherill
Some “rail-y” exciting times are coming for the city of Milwaukee, which is accepting a $73 million grant to improve Amtrak service between the city and Chicago.
The grant is to create a new two-line track allowing freight trains to pass Milwaukee’s Intermodal Station and help establish smoother travel and fewer delays.
According to sources from Urban Milwaukee, the grant is being funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, the CRISI program.
As the holiday season approaches, Amtrak is becoming increasingly busy as university students travel home. Even throughout the school year, students all around the country rely on Amtrak for a safe ride home or a fun weekend getaway.
Amtrak knows exactly how to keep things on track for students as they offer a generous discount, a scenic experience and a cheaper way of travel.
To put things in perspective, some UWM students answered a series of questions regarding Amtrak.
Phaedra Rodgers-Schmirler, a sophomore at UWM talks about her many journeys to Chicago from Milwaukee and what this grant could mean for students in the future.
C: “What would you say was your favorite part about your Amtrak journey?”
P: “My favorite parts would have to be… the spacious areas and nice views. It’s a great journey overall.”
C: “What do you think UWM students and other university students will get out of this improvement?”
P: “I think over time, more students will choose Amtrak as their way of traveling. Many students at university here in the city do not have a car, so it’s a great alternative.”
Another UWM sophomore, Kylie Fernan is also a frequent Amtrak user and shares her experience to and from Chicago and thoughts for the future.
C: “Do you know other students here on campus who use Amtrak as their main way to travel home?”
K: “Yes. Many people from my classes and even my roommate uses Amtrak to travel home.”
C: “Why do you choose Amtrak to get to Chicago?”
K: “It’s a very cost-effective way of traveling, especially when your a college student. It’s also a lot more eco-friendly and less stressful than the airport.”
C: “I have to agree with you there! Would you say this is a good investment in the eyes of a student who uses Amtrak frequently?”
K: “I think so. I think it would offer many benefits like reducing traffic as more people may be inclined to take the train. I also think it’s a more sustainable option and offers college students an easier route to Chicago to get home or just visit for a weekend trip.”
UWM has students from 50 different states, including 72 different Wisconsin counties. This grant serves as a step in the right direction to get those out-of-state students’ home to Chicago and as well as many more places possibly in the future.
One could say that this grant is on the right track to ensure a smoother ride for many.