Big Sky Passenger Train Gains Momentum

All aboard, Montana! The dream of boarding a train and crossing the Treasure State is growing legs. The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) recently achieved some serious milestones in its efforts to restore passenger rail service along rail routes in Montana.

Read More: Will High-Speed Train Travel Ever Come To Montana?

The Big Sky North Coast Corridor Initiative project was recently accepted into the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program. Translation (in words I can understand): They were awarded a $500,000 planning grant to map the return of a train route that hasn’t operated since Jimmy Carter was President. That old route? The famed North Coast Hiawatha was once the bond between Chicago and Seattle, making stops in major Montana cities such as Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Missoula, and others.

This is not only a matter of nostalgia. As the population increases and infrastructure calls for maintenance, a passenger train across Montana might be all the more beneficial. Bringing an economic uplift for small towns, safe travel during nasty weather, and a low-stress alternative to infinite hours on the highway. And let’s face it: it’s way better to watch the Rockies roll past from a comfortable train seat than to white-knuckle it through snow-clogged passes.

BSPRA isn’t doing this alone. They’re working with transportation officials in eight states and tribal governments and have already begun doing public outreach. Meetings, surveys, and ways to help shape the future of the route will be available to locals.

Is this something that is going to happen overnight? Nope. But this planning stage is an important first step. So if you’ve ever wanted to ride the rails across Montana like your grandparents did, this is your moment to geek out. As someone who frequently travels from Missoula to Billings to visit family, this is going to be a game changer. Especially around the holidays when the weather is always THE issue!