The Free Press, Mankato, MN - Riders dream of commuter rail

Sat, Nov 21 2009

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A total of 162 riders packed a special passenger train that the Union Pacific ran from Mankato to just north of St. Peter Friday. Mark Halverson, leaning on the window ledge at left, is pushing the route as a potential future commuter rail line to the Twin Cities.
Matt Johnston

Manager of Operating Practices Dennis Mattson prepares to return to Mankato.
Matt Johnston

Union Pacific Engineer Brad Bourgoin sounded the horn at the 3rd Avenue crossing in Mankato as a car driver decided not to wait.
Matt Johnston

Riders dream of commuter rail

I62 ride the Safety Train

By Mark Fischenich
Free Press Staff Writer

“At the price of gas, maybe it would,” he said.

Dorothy Stenersen, when living in Duluth, used the Amtrak train that once provided daily service from there to the Twin Cities.

“That was very nice, very handy for me,” Stenersen said.

The return of passenger service to Mankato makes sense, Stenersen said, particularly as the population ages.

“That would be wonderful,” she said. “Especially when you get older and don’t drive, this would be an excellent mode of transportation.”

Halverson believes it might well happen if the public gets behind the idea. Passenger rail would always require government subsidies, but that’s no different than other forms of transportation ranging from roads, to air to waterways, he said.

“I think it would have heavy ridership if that’s how you define success,” he said. “... In the long run, this is a good investment.”

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