Task force listens to why rail travel is wanted
5:55 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2008
Plans to expand rail service across Kansas was one topic tackled by the governor's Transportation Task Force.
Many people stood up to speak about how they want to see Kansas roads and railways improved.
Julie Lorenz is a part of the Kansas T-Link group, which was appointed by the governor to focus on transportation investment in Kansas.
"Today, people particularly wanted to talk about transit services, some Amtrak passenger rail services," Lorenz said.
Members of the board connected with regular Kansans and compared notes about passenger service in the state.
Interest in the plan is high because of the cost at the pump for drivers. "There's increasing interest because of the increase in gas prices, but there is still a large investment that would have to be made to get things up and running," Lorenz said.
Lorenz said the initial investment could cost around $200 million, and for that amount of money to be used in one specific area. They have to look at, "What's the cost for vs. what's the need," Lorenz said.
So in order to make a final decision on stretching Amtrak to Topeka, "We actually have a study underway with Amtrak. They are taking a look at both the cost of providing that service, and what the potential ridership would be," Lorenz said.
But some believe Amtrak would help Topeka. "After we get a chance to hear from local Kansas citizens, across the state, we are going to come back and think about what we heard, take a hard look at funding and finance," Lorenz said.
Today's meeting was the fourth out of eight meetings during the month of September.
When they are done with all of the consultations, they will come back together and make suggestions of what the people want to see in Kansas.
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