"We're shooting for that, but a lot of work still needs to be done before we can operate a train," said James Wolfe, director of government affairs for Amtrak's intercity operations. The trains will leave Des Moines and Chicago each night and arrive in the other city the next morning.

Amtrak still must obtain agreements to haul time-sensitive freight, such as mail and perishable foods, Wolfe said. It also must line up train cars and locomotives. In addition, Amtrak will work with cities along the route to determine what station facilities will be needed, he said.

The train would operate from Des Moines to Davenport on the Iowa Interstate Railroad, passing through Newton, Grinnell and Iowa City. In the Quad Cities, the train would switch to the I&M Rail Link and head north through Clinton before going into Chicago. A list of station stops and boarding times hasn't been determined.

Wolfe spoke Wednesday to about 30 people at a meeting here of the Central Iowa/North Central Illinois Passenger Rail Coalition. Most of the group was interested in a proposal for a high-speed Midwest railroad network.

The overnight train "is certainly a toe in the door," said Cathy Johnson of Iowa City, a longtime activist with the National Association of Railroad Passengers. "Our ultimate goal is high-speed rail because it will allow us to compete with airlines."

The high-speed rail network would operate in nine Midwest states, including a route from Chicago through Des Moines to Omaha. It would require about $4 billion from government sources to upgrade track, purchase train equipment and make other improvements.

Publication date: 2000-04-06