(The following appeared on the Progressive Railroading website on September 7, 2010.)
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) continues to pursue a fact-finding process that could increase passenger-rail availability in the state.
After conducting seven public meetings, KDOT has selected two alternatives for further consideration.
The first option calls for establishing nighttime service between Newton and Forth Worth; the other, a daytime service between Kansas City and Fort Worth.
A service development plan (SDP) will be compiled for each alternative to outline the steps necessary to expand passenger-rail service and how it would operate, KDOT officials said in a prepared statement.
The department contracted Parsons Brinckerhoff to author the SDP for the two alternatives. The plan is expected to be completed by fall 2011.