The Trains, Again

 Look, we've talked about this before.

I would love for there to be train transit between the Quad Cities and Chicago. I think it would be a massive boost to the region, and frankly a personal benefit as well. 

So I'm chuffed to see announcements around state funding in Illinois for it. 

But remain a bit skeptical about this actually happening, unfortunately, for the following reasons:

1. Iowa Interstate Hasn't Said Anything

Even the article I've linked to only mentions that there is "more leverage" to convince or coerce Iowa Interstate (which owns key parts of the link between the two areas) to participate in the project, and mentions that they've "really struggled" to get them onboard. Now, it's obviously a good thing if the ask of the railroad doesn't include (as much) money, but it's still a dead letter unless they get involved voluntarily or the state/federal government (good luck...) actually starts getting into eminent domain territory.

If this was met by Iowa Interstate with a statement about their excitement to get working, I'd have a different reaction, but right now...nothing, so I have no expectations.

2. Where Will The Funding Really Go?

The Metra and the CTA are also due funding under this bill, and the money that is commonly being associated with the Quad Cities rail initiative apparently only refers to funding to help bring rail to new destinations. At the same time, Metra is being tasked to bring its rail to, you guessed it, new destinations.

So if Iowa Interstate doesn't play ball, this money doesn't have to stay around to convince them--it can (it seems) go to bring some iconic flat-fronted trains to the rest of the state.

Or, you know, maybe some more updated trains. But the point stands--this money doesn't have to go to this part of the state if we can't actually get moving on our trains.

3. I Hate Getting My Hopes Up

I just...don't like hoping for things that don't happen. 

Maybe like the new I-74 Bridge, it'll actually come. 

Or maybe, like doing something actually useful with the old I-74 Bridge instead of just tearing it down, it won't.

Unfortunately, I know where I'd put my money.

I really hope it happens, and I'd love to see Amtrak service to Chicago from here, but...this isn't quite it yet, and it's making me sad that it's reported like it is.