For The First Time in 50 Years Amtrak Is Returning to the Quad Cities

Soon, travelers in the Quad Cities will be able to hop on a train and head to the big city! It's something that hasn't been possible since the 1970s!

Amtrak Service Returning to the Quad Cities

Timeout reports that the state of Illinois has secured funding that will allow Amtrak service to resume between the Quad Cities and Chicago. The route has long been rumored and discussed, and now finally appears to be a reality. The Quad Cities last had passenger train service in 1979, according to Timeout.

What Trips Will Be Offered?

According to Timeout, the planned service will operate two daily round trips from Chicago and Moline, giving travelers a car-free option to travel to see the sights in Chicago, or for Chicagoans to visit the Quad Cities for the day. The city of Moline is ready for visitors! Timeout reports that the Quad Cities has built an intermodal station for both trains and buses along the route.

Don't Buy Your Train Tickets Just Yet

Timeout says that while the route is approved, it won't be active for several years. The state of Illinois has repairs to do to tracks and bridges along the route, as some of the existing track is over a century old! It also has to install federally required positive train control technology.

If the route is a success, Amtrak might look to expand with stops in Iowa! I'm certainly 'on board' with that!