The Milwaukee Area-Racine-Kenosha (MARK) Rail Study is being conducted to explore the potential for enhancing mobility and quality of life in Southeastern Wisconsin by reintroducing passenger train service on an existing rail line. Train service in this corridor would better connect Racine, Kenosha, and other communities along Lake Michigan to the larger Milwaukee-Chicago region. Restoring passenger rail in this corridor would enhance mobility and strengthen connections between Lake Michigan communities and the larger Milwaukee-Chicago region. Anticipated benefits include job growth, economic development, increased property values, and reduced traffic congestion. Additionally, improved rail access has the potential to attract new residents and businesses, contributing to long-term community growth. It could even benefit those who do not directly use the service by reducing traffic congestion.
VISION 2050, Southeastern Wisconsin’s long-range land use and transportation plan, also recommends a commuter rail line in this corridor as part of a larger commuter rail network.
Even for those who don't typically take trains, a potential passenger rail line offers several community-wide benefits. Fixed transit routes can spur development around transit stations, making nearby properties attractive for mixed-use developments that provide housing, jobs, and services. This transit-oriented development (TOD) helps create walkable and vibrant neighborhoods. These developments can also enhance the local tax base, supporting services across the entire community. Additionally, by encouraging more people to use public transit, passenger rail service can help reduce roadway congestion. For example, one rail car on Metra’s commuter rail system in Northeastern Illinois has the potential to remove 83 cars from the road, easing traffic and improving travel times for everyone.
The MARK Rail Study is being guided by an advisory Steering Committee initially made up of representatives from the Cities of Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha; the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT); and the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. To guide and shape the technical aspects of the project, a Technical Working Group (TWG) has also been formed, which is made up of representatives from the three cities, the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), Kenosha County, Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), and the Commission. The composition of these advisory groups may change as the Study progresses.
The City of Racine obtained $5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending and is using part of those funds to complete the MARK Rail Study.
Passenger rail service has long been planned and desired by the City of Racine and other communities along Lake Michigan. Previous studies conducted more than a decade ago included significant analyses and identified a recommended service design, station locations, organizational structure, and funding sources. While the MARK Rail Study will incorporate elements of the previous studies and their results, it will differ in important ways to reflect changes since the previous studies were completed in 2011. In particular, the Study will explore alternative service designs, station locations, organizational structures, and funding mechanisms.
Amtrak’s Hiawatha service provides daily trips between downtown Milwaukee and downtown Chicago on tracks largely owned by CPKC and Metra, with limited stops between the two cities. The Hiawatha route is located inland, and, as a result, the Hiawatha does not directly serve the major population centers located along Lake Michigan, including the Cities of Racine, Kenosha, and others in Southeastern Wisconsin, as well as Chicago’s North Shore communities. MARK Rail would differ from the Hiawatha by directly serving Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and communities in between on tracks east of the tracks used by the Hiawatha. The MARK Rail Study is examining a range of potential service options along the existing rail corridor connecting these lakeshore communities. These options could include:
A goal of the MARK Rail Study is to examine potential service options that would complement, and not compete with, the Hiawatha service.
The MARK Rail Study is exploring various service design options and potential operators. Among them is the possibility of integrating service between Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha with service currently provided by Metra, Northeastern Illinois’ commuter rail operator, or operating a stand-alone service in the corridor in coordination with Metra service. Metra is recognized as an important stakeholder in the Study and will be engaged throughout the Study.
The MARK Rail Study is focused primarily on existing tracks and right-of-way owned by Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and CPKC. The Study will evaluate the need for potential improvements, such as upgrading the track to allow for higher speeds and adding sections of double tracks where only a single track currently exists. The Study will also evaluate and identify suitable locations for new stations and train layover/maintenance facilities.
The recommended train station locations along the corridor will be determined through a detailed analysis, considering factors such as current and future land use, potential ridership, existing infrastructure constraints, past studies, and operational requirements. This comprehensive approach will ensure that stations are strategically positioned to maximize accessibility and efficiency. Additionally, residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide input on potential station locations as MARK Rail planning progresses, allowing community feedback to play a key role in the decision-making process.
In addition to the primary stops in the three main cities (Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha), the MARK Rail Study will explore additional potential station locations along the corridor. The Study will also consider potential stops that could be served in Northeastern Illinois, aiming to enhance connectivity and accessibility across the entire Milwaukee-Chicago corridor. The exact number of stations will be dependent on the ultimate service design identified as part of the Study and the assessment of factors such as demand, infrastructure, and community input.
The MARK Rail Study is broadly examining the types of train equipment that could be used to operate the service. The service could use traditional diesel locomotive-hauled trains, similar to train equipment used by Metra, or it could use diesel-electric multiple unit (DMU) trains that are being used more frequently across the country in recent years. Other technologies are also being explored, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell multiple-unit trains. The ultimate decision on train technology would be determined in subsequent stages of the project development process.
Fares have not yet been determined, given the service is still in the study phase. The final fare structure will likely be established closer to the launch of the service, considering various factors such as service design, operational costs, ridership projections, and regional economic considerations.
Significant work needs to be completed through the MARK Rail Study and subsequent stages of project development (e.g., environmental clearance, preliminary engineering, and final design) before the service can begin operations. In particular, this study will need to identify a project sponsor to move the project forward and create a plan for how to fund the project. As a result, there is no definitive timeline for when the service will begin.
The MARK Rail Study will explore a variety of funding options to cover the costs of the service. These options could include federal or state grants, as well as potential revenue sources like fares, advertising, private investment, and value capture from development around the stations. A combination of these strategies will be necessary to support both the construction and ongoing operation of the rail corridor, though, at this stage of the study, no recommendations have been made regarding funding.
Part of the MARK Rail Study will focus on improving connections between the rail corridor and local transit options to ensure seamless access for passengers. This could include adding or enhancing bus services, developing park-and-ride facilities, and coordinating schedules to align with train arrivals and departures. The goal is to create an integrated transportation network that makes it easy for people to get to and from train stations, whether they are traveling by bus, bike, car, or on foot.
It's challenging to provide a precise estimate of the economic growth that could result from implementing a potential passenger rail service at this stage in the process. However, examples from similar passenger rail systems across the nation, such as DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), demonstrate that passenger rail can bring substantial economic benefits to communities. These benefits often include increased property values, higher levels of business investment, job creation, and broader regional economic development. The MARK Rail team will analyze these potential benefits and compare them to the costs associated with constructing and operating the new service.
The Milwaukee Area-Racine-Kenosha (MARK) Rail Study is being conducted to explore the potential for enhancing mobility and quality of life in Southeastern Wisconsin by reintroducing passenger train service on an existing rail line. Train service in this corridor would better connect Racine, Kenosha, and other communities along Lake Michigan to the larger Milwaukee-Chicago region. Restoring passenger rail in this corridor would enhance mobility and strengthen connections between Lake Michigan communities and the larger Milwaukee-Chicago region. Anticipated benefits include job growth, economic development, increased property values, and reduced traffic congestion. Additionally, improved rail access has the potential to attract new residents and businesses, contributing to long-term community growth. It could even benefit those who do not directly use the service by reducing traffic congestion.
VISION 2050, Southeastern Wisconsin’s long-range land use and transportation plan, also recommends a commuter rail line in this corridor as part of a larger commuter rail network.
Even for those who don't typically take trains, a potential passenger rail line offers several community-wide benefits. Fixed transit routes can spur development around transit stations, making nearby properties attractive for mixed-use developments that provide housing, jobs, and services. This transit-oriented development (TOD) helps create walkable and vibrant neighborhoods. These developments can also enhance the local tax base, supporting services across the entire community. Additionally, by encouraging more people to use public transit, passenger rail service can help reduce roadway congestion. For example, one rail car on Metra’s commuter rail system in Northeastern Illinois has the potential to remove 83 cars from the road, easing traffic and improving travel times for everyone.
The MARK Rail Study is being guided by an advisory Steering Committee initially made up of representatives from the Cities of Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha; the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT); and the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. To guide and shape the technical aspects of the project, a Technical Working Group (TWG) has also been formed, which is made up of representatives from the three cities, the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), Kenosha County, Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), and the Commission. The composition of these advisory groups may change as the Study progresses.
The City of Racine obtained $5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending and is using part of those funds to complete the MARK Rail Study.
Passenger rail service has long been planned and desired by the City of Racine and other communities along Lake Michigan. Previous studies conducted more than a decade ago included significant analyses and identified a recommended service design, station locations, organizational structure, and funding sources. While the MARK Rail Study will incorporate elements of the previous studies and their results, it will differ in important ways to reflect changes since the previous studies were completed in 2011. In particular, the Study will explore alternative service designs, station locations, organizational structures, and funding mechanisms.
Amtrak’s Hiawatha service provides daily trips between downtown Milwaukee and downtown Chicago on tracks largely owned by CPKC and Metra, with limited stops between the two cities. The Hiawatha route is located inland, and, as a result, the Hiawatha does not directly serve the major population centers located along Lake Michigan, including the Cities of Racine, Kenosha, and others in Southeastern Wisconsin, as well as Chicago’s North Shore communities. MARK Rail would differ from the Hiawatha by directly serving Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and communities in between on tracks east of the tracks used by the Hiawatha. The MARK Rail Study is examining a range of potential service options along the existing rail corridor connecting these lakeshore communities. These options could include:
A goal of the MARK Rail Study is to examine potential service options that would complement, and not compete with, the Hiawatha service.
The MARK Rail Study is exploring various service design options and potential operators. Among them is the possibility of integrating service between Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha with service currently provided by Metra, Northeastern Illinois’ commuter rail operator, or operating a stand-alone service in the corridor in coordination with Metra service. Metra is recognized as an important stakeholder in the Study and will be engaged throughout the Study.
The MARK Rail Study is focused primarily on existing tracks and right-of-way owned by Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and CPKC. The Study will evaluate the need for potential improvements, such as upgrading the track to allow for higher speeds and adding sections of double tracks where only a single track currently exists. The Study will also evaluate and identify suitable locations for new stations and train layover/maintenance facilities.
The recommended train station locations along the corridor will be determined through a detailed analysis, considering factors such as current and future land use, potential ridership, existing infrastructure constraints, past studies, and operational requirements. This comprehensive approach will ensure that stations are strategically positioned to maximize accessibility and efficiency. Additionally, residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide input on potential station locations as MARK Rail planning progresses, allowing community feedback to play a key role in the decision-making process.
In addition to the primary stops in the three main cities (Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha), the MARK Rail Study will explore additional potential station locations along the corridor. The Study will also consider potential stops that could be served in Northeastern Illinois, aiming to enhance connectivity and accessibility across the entire Milwaukee-Chicago corridor. The exact number of stations will be dependent on the ultimate service design identified as part of the Study and the assessment of factors such as demand, infrastructure, and community input.
The MARK Rail Study is broadly examining the types of train equipment that could be used to operate the service. The service could use traditional diesel locomotive-hauled trains, similar to train equipment used by Metra, or it could use diesel-electric multiple unit (DMU) trains that are being used more frequently across the country in recent years. Other technologies are also being explored, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell multiple-unit trains. The ultimate decision on train technology would be determined in subsequent stages of the project development process.
Fares have not yet been determined, given the service is still in the study phase. The final fare structure will likely be established closer to the launch of the service, considering various factors such as service design, operational costs, ridership projections, and regional economic considerations.
Significant work needs to be completed through the MARK Rail Study and subsequent stages of project development (e.g., environmental clearance, preliminary engineering, and final design) before the service can begin operations. In particular, this study will need to identify a project sponsor to move the project forward and create a plan for how to fund the project. As a result, there is no definitive timeline for when the service will begin.
The MARK Rail Study will explore a variety of funding options to cover the costs of the service. These options could include federal or state grants, as well as potential revenue sources like fares, advertising, private investment, and value capture from development around the stations. A combination of these strategies will be necessary to support both the construction and ongoing operation of the rail corridor, though, at this stage of the study, no recommendations have been made regarding funding.
Part of the MARK Rail Study will focus on improving connections between the rail corridor and local transit options to ensure seamless access for passengers. This could include adding or enhancing bus services, developing park-and-ride facilities, and coordinating schedules to align with train arrivals and departures. The goal is to create an integrated transportation network that makes it easy for people to get to and from train stations, whether they are traveling by bus, bike, car, or on foot.
It's challenging to provide a precise estimate of the economic growth that could result from implementing a potential passenger rail service at this stage in the process. However, examples from similar passenger rail systems across the nation, such as DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), demonstrate that passenger rail can bring substantial economic benefits to communities. These benefits often include increased property values, higher levels of business investment, job creation, and broader regional economic development. The MARK Rail team will analyze these potential benefits and compare them to the costs associated with constructing and operating the new service.
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