WisDOT receives grant to buy new passenger cars for Amtrak's Hiawatha line

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has been awarded a $25 million grant to buy new passenger rail cars for the Amtrak Hiawatha service. 

The new passenger cars will expand the train's seating capacity. The popular Chicago-Milwaukee route is the busiest train in the Midwest, and ninth busiest in the nation.

One official says the expansion supports plans to increase the frequency of the Hiawatha runs. 

Almost 860,000 people used the route in 2018. Ridership has grown by 6% in the first six months of 2019.

Share this article: