Revitalizing Communities and Building Sustainable Economies
Restoring Passenger Rail to Southern Montana and Beyond
Livingston Depot Center, Livingston, Montana Photo Credit: Ron Reiring of Burbank, California
Traveling through seven states, Amtrak’s North Coast Limited/Hiawatha connected Chicago, Illinois to Seattle, Washington. Operating for more than 80 years, the discontinuation of this line in 1979 severed access to passenger rail to the largest cities in Montana and North Dakota and small towns in between. As a result, a vast expanse of the Greater Northwest Region lacks passenger rail service.
As a result, a vast expanse of the Greater Northwest Region lacks passenger rail service. The benefits of restored service are many.
Today, more than 2,000 miles from the Great Lake to the Pacific and 800 miles from Great Falls to Denver no longer have access to passenger rail service. It’s time to provide passenger rail service to all of America.
Photo Credit: Loco Steve
Creates jobs
Provides affordable, safe, clean transportation year-round for healthcare, education, commerce, and tourism
Upgrades rail lines for freight AND passenger service
The Empire Builder generates an Annual Economic Return to the U.S. of $327 million (2023).
Annual federal appropriation to run the service is $57.5M – a nearly 6x return on investment
Pre-pandemic, the Empire Builder's annual economic return was $595 million—$101M in Montana alone—a 10x return on investment.
The Benefits of Restoring Passenger Rail
using the Hi-Line / Empire Builder
Link to State of Big Sky Passenger Rail
Authority Presentation
July 10th, 2024
Passenger Rail Gains Steam Across the Region and in Congress
US DOT Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg addresses Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority at its Annual Meeting in Missoula on June 7th, 2024.
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) offers his thoughts to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Annual Meeting attendees on June 7th, 2024
U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) offers this video welcome and thanks to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Annual Meeting attendees on Friday, June 7th
THANK YOU PARTNERS
WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU
EMPIRE BUILDER
Northern California artist Michael Schwab, known for his iconic style, crafted the striking artwork for Amtrak's 'Empire Builder' in 2003. This captivating piece, part of a print ad campaign spanning from 2004 to 2012, intricately captures the essence of historic American train routes amidst a timeless and serene winter setting in the vast American West. 'Empire Builder' merchandise, crafted by the talented designer Michael Schwab, is available for purchase to support the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority.
Show your love for train travel with these unique items bearing the iconic design.