According to KNOE in Monroe, experts say passenger rail is possible in North Louisiana by 2025.
The Southern Rail Commission (SRC) held a conference at the University of Louisiana Monroe on Nov. 3, and they say the community could see a passenger train in two years or less. The goal is to have two daily round-trip trains from Atlanta to Dallas
SRC says the new line is a real possibility thanks to the proposed union of two railroad giants.
“The most significant change and why we are here today is because Canadian Pacific, as part of their merger application with Kansas City Southern, has agreed to participate in a study of the service and the implementation of the service,” says Knox Ross, Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission.
Ross adds the first step is commissioning a feasibility study which he believes will show the route is ready for passenger rail.
“You’ve got container trains running all day long that are running at 60mph,” says Knox. “Passenger trains run at 79mph, and many times it’s going to run less than that due to traffic. This railroad has extended sidings already there. It has signalization already there. It’s got positive train control that’s going to be required. It’s already there.”
The biggest hurdle will be buildings stations along the route.
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