Meeting Covers Rail Service In Area

A handful of local residents shared ideas during a Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority public meeting in Wolf Point on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Discussion regarding Amtrak’s Empire Builder included residents stressing the importance of public transportation in this area.

“The Empire rail is a necessity for the community,” Nicole Borner, owner of Trillium Cooperative, who organized the meeting, said. “It’s kind of a lifeline.”

The meeting included residents sharing what they like about Amtrak or areas that need improvement.

Positives listed were price, elderly usage, help with baggage, a safe way to travel, the ability to be mobile, good arrival and departure times, food and service.

Negatives included lack of security, possible loss of funding due to the proposed southern route, sometimes crowded and that freight trains have the right of way.

“Dreams” include service to Missoula and Helena, a long-term federal commitment, and improved safety and security.

Borner and Davey Madison, co-owner of Trillium, said there were also comments made about having better wi-fi and providing talks on points of interest.

“We’re just trying to collect people’s stories and want to hear the types of impacts they had,” Madison said.

Concerns were expressed that if the southern route in Montana becomes a reality, that enough federal funds won’t be available down the line for the Empire Builder in the northern part of the state.

“It would be devastating to the community,” Borner said.