Tired of Waiting on Amtrak Tulsa? :: The Eastern Flyer to the Rescue See the VIDEO in the story! The Varsity operated this past weekend between Chicago Union Station and Madison, Wisconsin. The event was the University of Wisconsin and Northwestern University football game. This is a sneak peek at what is coming to Oklahoma next year. Iowa Pacific Holdings is betting Oklahomans will take to the rails en mass. Their business model is unique. They have partnered with Watco Companies LLC both in Oklahoma, as the Stillwater Central Railroad, and in Wisconsin with another Watco company, the Wisconsin Southern Railroad, to offer these trips. Why is this happening today? Well, are you tired of driving the Turner Turnpike? Iowa Pacific has discovered a rapidly growing market Amtrak is failing to serve. Multi-frequency passenger trains will arrive in Oklahoma next year. Amtraks Heartland Flyer after 15 years remains a single frequency. The added draw is Iowa Pacific is using vintage equipment to serve a transportation need. This is all possible because Watcos Class-2 railroads are more receptive to passenger trains. Amtrak is intensely bureaucratic and operates mainly on high density Class-1 railroads like the BNSF Railway. Class-1 railroads consider passenger trains an annoyance. Watco sees them as a way to serve the people of the communities they serve. Further, Iowa Pacific asks for no state or federal subsidy. They will operate more than a single frequency between the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro areas. Yes, it will not immediately reach Tulsa and Oklahoma City without shuttle bus transfers. However, with success and complex negotiations, the final miles will be completed. Save money! Relax! Leave your car at home while you travel!
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 11:30:01 +0000
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