Chattanooga City Council Set to Vote on Reviving Passenger Rail Service Next Week

Chattanooga Set to Revive Passenger Rail Service!

Exciting news is coming out of Chattanooga! Next Tuesday, the city council is gearing up to vote on an important contract with consultants to kick off the journey toward bringing back passenger rail service to the vibrant city. Can you imagine hopping on a train and chugging off to visit friends and family in nearby cities? Well, it looks like that dream may soon become a reality!

A Big Step Forward

The city has selected WSP USA to lead the initial phase of the project at a cost of $472,426, which is fully funded by the Federal Rail Administration. That’s right — no need to dig into local tax dollars for this one! Chattanooga is taking the reins as the lead agency in a four-city consortium, partnering up with Atlanta, Nashville, and Memphis. This teamwork could make a huge difference in connecting these bustling cities through a revived rail service.

Ellis Smith from the mayor’s office shared some interesting insights, saying, “Trains are running between those cities right now. There’s just not passenger service.” Most of those lines are operated by CSX, so there’s a solid foundation already in place to build upon.

Paving the Way for More Trains

So, what exactly is phase one going to look like? Mr. Smith pinpoints that the initial assessments will focus on understanding who wants to ride the trains, the level of service needed, and identifying where additional side tracks might be required. How cool is that? It’s all about making sure the trains will be useful and convenient for everyone!

And phase two? That’s where the real action begins! It will involve adding those necessary side tracks and taking further steps to bring back those beloved passenger trains. WSP USA isn’t just stopping at Chattanooga; they’re also helping secure similar passenger services in states like Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. Talk about an interstate connection!

Community Input Matters

The community is buzzing with curiosity, and Vice Chair Jenny Hill added her two cents about the potential train service. She mentioned that she would definitely ride the train, but only if it’s affordable and features frequent departures. In her words, “It needs to be less expensive than it would cost me to put gas in my car.” We hear you, Jenny! Affordability is key for getting riders on board, literally!

While there are discussions about the possibility of Amtrak operating the trains, Mr. Smith suggested that there could also be other providers stepping into the mix. Flexibility is the name of the game in creating an appealing train service for everyone.

Honoring Local Heroes

In other local news, a heartfelt moment happened recently when Donnie Longley was honored for his 40 years of dedicated service at the historic Chattanooga Memorial Park in White Oak. Mr. Longley, who is currently the superintendent of grounds at the cemetery, has made a lasting impact by taking care of this revered site, showcasing the community spirit that Chattanooga embodies.

This blend of exciting developments, from bringing back passenger rail services to recognizing community heroes, demonstrates that Chattanooga is on a great pathway of progress. So, keep an ear out for updates next week; it looks like riveting changes are just around the corner for this lovely city!