On September 30, 2024, Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), BNSF Railway, and Amtrak formally agreed on the Preliminary Engineering plans detailing the initial improvements required to implement passenger rail service between Chicago and the Quad Cities. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is currently reviewing these plans. IAIS remains committed to hosting this new inter-city passenger rail service once all of the required improvements are complete and ongoing operating agreements are in place with IDOT and other stakeholders. Specific questions related to service implementation should be referred to IDOT staff.
