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Tell Iowa & Illinois that you want frequent service along the Blackhawk Corridor

Dear Governor Pritzker and Governor Reynolds,

Please work with IDOT and Iowa to create a unified plan that includes frequent service along the Blackhawk Corridor.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is planning a modest new service to Rockford, the fifth largest city in Illinois. It’s also funding a feasibility study for an extension to Dubuque.

But the current approach leaves a lot of revenue on the table and misses some great opportunities.

A unified plan for the entire corridor, with cooperation between Iowa and Illinois, would yield a much bigger payoff.

Critical components of a unified plan for the Blackhawk Corridor:

1. Allow IDOT to implement tiered service, which would make the whole line much more usable and multiply its power to revitalize communities.

2. Create convenient access to O’Hare Airport via Franklin Park station.

3. Give Metra a path to expand and maximize its current services.

Starting with the right frequency is critical.

A good place to start is by implementing 5 trains per day between Rockford-Chicago and an additional 3 frequencies between Waterloo-Dubuque-Chicago.

Having frequent departures will allow for a wider range of trips to be taken between all of the stops along the line, from commuting, business trips and visiting family or friends. It will also justify more frequent service on Metra and other connected transit services, which increases overall ridership, boosting the value of the entire network.

It’s critical that IDOT make a plan for high-frequency service along the Blackhawk Corridor—now.

Unlike roads, which are designed for people to show up whenever they want. Railroad tracks are designed to match the number of trains in an operating plan. So it’s difficult to add trains later.

And the reality is: Good transportation systems require a detailed plan. A lot of moving parts are involved. They must work together seamlessly. That kind of tight coordination only happens when there’s a plan.

Illinois and Iowa must work together, prioritize this project, create a unified plan for the Blackhawk Corridor — and get it done for the people and small businesses depending on it.

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Illinois Governor and Legislator

Subject: Please Work Towards a Unified Plan for the Blackhawk Corridor

Message:

Please work to establish frequent train service on the Blackhawk Corridor linking Chicago, Rockford, Freeport, Galena, Dubuque and Waterloo. Frequent trains would link one of the busiest tourist regions of the tri-state area, an important hub of the aerospace industry to downtown Chicago and O’Hare. The Illinois Department of Transportation is planning a modest new service to Rockford, the fifth largest city in Illinois. It’s also funding a feasibility study for an extension to Dubuque. But the current approach leaves a lot of revenue on the table and misses some great opportunities. A unified plan for the entire corridor, with cooperation between Iowa and Illinois, would yield a much bigger payoff. Critical components of a unified plan for the BlackHawk Corridor: 1. Trains timed to allow trips in both directions throughout the day. 2. Create convenient access to O’Hare Airport via Franklin Park station. 3. Give Metra a path to expand and maximize its current services. Starting with the right frequency is critical. A good place to start is by implementing 5 or 7 trains per day between Rockford and Chicago and an additional 2 or 3 daily departures west to Waterloo. Having frequent departures will allow for a wider range of trips to be taken between all of the stops along the line, from commuting, business trips and visiting family or friends. It’s critical that IDOT make a plan for high-frequency service along the Blackhawk Corridor—now. Why? Because the number of daily trains is a key factor in driving success. And, unlike roads, railroad tracks are designed to match the number of trains in an operating plan. So it’s difficult to add trains later. Thank you in advance for supporting this initiative.

Remaining:

Iowa Governor and Legislators

Subject: Please Work Towards a Unified Plan for the Blackhawk Corridor

Message:

Please work with Illinois to create a unified plan to run frequent trains along the Blackhawk Corridor, linking Waterloo and Dubuque to Rockford and Chicago! The Illinois Department of Transportation is planning a modest new service to Rockford and is also funding a feasibility study for an extension to Dubuque. This current approach does not take full advantage of the opportunity to create a strong connection between Eastern Iowa and Northern Illinois. In addition to the 5 trains per day between Rockford-Chicago, there is a strong case for adding 3 trains per day from Waterloo-Dubuque-Rockford-Chicago. Waterloo and Dubuque would add significant value to the proposed Blackhawk Corridor service as they are home to a number of higher learning institutions and tourist destinations. It’s critical to plan for frequent service along the Blackhawk Corridor now. Having frequent departures will allow for a wider range of trips to be taken between all of the stops along the line, from commuting, business trips and visiting family or friends, increasing overall ridership, boosting the value of the entire network. Unlike roads, railroad tracks are designed to match the number of trains in an operating plan. So it’s difficult to add trains later. Iowa and Illinois must work together, prioritize this project, create a unified plan for the Blackhawk corridor — and get it done for the people and small businesses depending on it.

Remaining:

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The Midwest High Speed Rail Association is now the High Speed Rail Alliance

Tell Iowa & Illinois that you want frequent service along the Blackhawk Corridor

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Tell Iowa & Illinois that you want frequent service along the Blackhawk Corridor

Sorry, this action isn't available in your area.

But, you can still help!

Thank You!

Please share this with anyone else who wants frequent service along the Blackhawk Corridor.