Restoring Passenger Trains to Southern Montana Rails
Service ended 45 years ago and together, we can bring it back.
We invite you to attend the 2024 Annual Conference of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority in beautiful Missoula, Montana—the Garden City of Montana. This year’s conference will feature updates from the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, industry leaders, and keynote addresses from FRA Deputy Administrator Jennifer Mitchell and Rail Passengers Association President and CEO Jim Mathews. In addition, you’ll hear exciting news about planning for the restoration of the North Coast Hiawatha route, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and how Montana and the greater region are on the cutting edge of a rail renaissance in America.
BSPRA 2024 Annual Conference
Missoula Public Library
Restoring Passenger Rail to Southern Montana and Beyond
Livingston Depot Center, Livingston, Montana Photo Credit: Ron Reiring of Burbank, California
Traveling through seven states, Amtrak’s North Coast Limited/Hiawatha connected Chicago, Illinois to Seattle, Washington. Operating for more than 80 years, the discontinuation of this line in 1979 severed access to passenger rail to the largest cities in Montana and North Dakota and small towns in between. As a result, a vast expanse of the Greater Northwest Region lacks passenger rail service.
As a result, a vast expanse of the Greater Northwest Region lacks passenger rail service. The benefits of restored service are many.
Today, more than 2,000 miles from the Great Lake to the Pacific and 800 miles from Great Falls to Denver no longer have access to passenger rail service. It’s time to provide passenger rail service to all of America.
Photo Credit: Loco Steve
Creates jobs
Generates $271 million in economic impact a year
Provides affordable, safe, clean transportation year-round for healthcare, education, commerce, and tourism
Upgrades rail lines for freight and passenger service
The Benefits of Restoring Passenger Rail
Passenger Rail Gains Steam Across the Region and in Congress
The Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Map Collection
Thank You To Our Business Partners
For your commitment and investment in this important work. We couldn't do it without you!