On February 7, 2024, the Kansas Department of Transportation hosted a Passenger Rail Caucus meeting, focusing on the future of passenger rail service in the region. The discussions highlighted the importance of securing funding and planning for new station developments as part of a broader initiative to enhance rail connectivity and ridership.

A key point raised during the meeting was the availability of federal grants, specifically the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants, which several states are already pursuing to develop station designs and locations. While Kansas may not see immediate service expansions to cities like Baton Rouge, proactive steps are being taken to prepare for future rail service, including station development in areas such as Arc City and Perry.

The meeting underscored the necessity of making stations compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), emphasizing that simply constructing platforms is insufficient. This legal and moral obligation reflects a commitment to accessibility as new services are planned. The discussions also touched on the challenges faced in Wichita, where existing tracks have moved away from the current station, necessitating a reevaluation of station locations.

Participants were encouraged to think ahead about station placements and to apply for available grant funding to support these initiatives. The federal government is committed to funding expansions and restoring services to areas that have lost rail connectivity, such as Newton, which has not seen passenger trains since 1979.

The overarching goal of these efforts is to double passenger ridership by 2040, a target that relies on collaboration among state departments of transportation, local governments, and community stakeholders. As the meeting concluded, attendees were reminded of the importance of planning and funding in revitalizing passenger rail service across Kansas and beyond.