Rail summit discusses passenger service in Southern Montana

Railroads played a large role in the development of the United States from the industrial revolution in the Northeast (1810–1850) to the settlement of the West (1850–1890).

Beginning in the 19th century, a vast system of railroads was developed that moved goods and people across great distances, facilitated the settlement of large portions of the country, created towns and cities, and unified a nation. It played an enormous role in the history of Montana.

What happened when it came to train-travel for passengers? The decline began following World War II, as traffic dropped significantly, even while railroads began to update their passenger fleets with new equipment in the 1950s hoping to retain passengers and ward off ever increasing competition from the automobile and airplane (the development of jet propulsion only worsened the situation).

1977 was when the Milwaukee Railroad ended their run in Missoula.

How the times have changed and where it looks like history just might repeat itself. The Montana Passenger Rail Summit held Sept. 17 was a panel of positive and enthusiastic speakers with nearly 300 attendees via Zoom. The idea that passenger service to the central and southern part of the Big Sky Country is ready to return. Billings, Bozeman, Helena and Missoula would be the larger markets with rural stops still in discussion.

Montana’s elected officials are ready to jump in.

“Look at the importance of railway transportation, not the cost, especially for rural Montanans,” said state Rep. Andrea Olsen.

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester brought attention to the Empire Builder that is the passenger service for the Montana High Line.

“It is critical that we defend our existing lines and expand with new opportunities, so the proposed Montana Southern Route plan has my attention,” Tester said.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines is excited about the idea as well.

“It is crucial that we boost our infrastructure as we rebuild from the pandemic. This plan is going in the right direction for Montana,” Daines said.

Montana Governor Steve Bullock pointed out another reason this is so important today.

“This is a major project along the south route that will be a strong move for Montana to continue to do our part with climate change,” he said.

While Congressman Greg Gianforte explained another aspect to support the program.

“Yes, this is a monumental project but even during these trying times, Congress has been available with funds for other railroads in the country.”

This was confirmed by John Spain with the Southern Rail Commission. John-Robert Smith, also with the Southern Rail Commission, reported a Return On Investment of 15 to 1 after their system worked the kinks out.

“That’s $15 of revenue back to the local communities for every $1 invested into our railway system. A wall to hurdle is the lack of understanding of transportation funding and the misguided assumption that highways and aviation pay for themselves. They don’t."

So, it’s a hit. People want it. Great jobs, convenient affordable and safe transportation., healthier air from far fewer vehicles. What is missing in the equation is time, money and cooperation. There are multiple grants and funding opportunities available that are being worked on, but this has to be a public-private venture as there are so many moving parts in the blueprint.

"How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."