Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority gauges public interest and engagement in restoring passenger rail in southern Montana

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority held a public meeting in Glendive on Thursday in an effort to “engage tribal and rural communities in the development of passenger rail services in southern Montana.” According to BSPRA Vice Chairman Jason Stuart, the meetings were integral to the future success of restoring a passenger rail track across the southern half of the Treasure State. The five public engagement meetings were entirely funded by a $25,000 grant from the Montana Healthcare Foundation.

Stuart noted passenger rail service ended in Glendive just over 40 years ago after the last passenger train rolled through town in October of 1979, nine years after passenger rail lines across the United States started to close following increased interstate construction and the continuing Jet Age.

“We basically stopped investing in rail,” he said. “We, the BSPRA, believe that it is absolutely time to bring it back.” Read more.