Midwest High Speed Rail Association

The Midwest High Speed Rail Association is a Chicago-based member-supported non-profit organization advocating for fast, frequent and dependable trains linking the entire Midwest.

Our diverse membership base includes nearly 2,000 individuals, local governments, and corporations.

Our goal is to persuade local, state and federal governments to implement an aggressive railroad expansion and provide on-going operational support for fast trains throughout the Midwest.

MHSRA’s role is to create high expectations regarding fast trains and assist local advocates and leaders achieve the level of service their cities need.

In addition to the construction of new, 220-mph infrastructure on core routes, we seek the development of a wide range of intercity train services including extended commuter rail, upgrading existing Amtrak routes to 90 mph or better and fast sleeper trains.

MHSRA conducts a broad range of educational activities, including: meetings with local, state, and national leaders; a speakers bureau targeting chambers of commerce, Rotary Club chapters, and other public service organizations; rail advocate conferences and rallies; policy papers; a quarterly newsletter; and four web sites.

MHSRA views the transportation system as an integrated whole, not separating the long distance from the local transit issues as do Federal and State policies. Achieving the funding increases and policy changes needed to achieve our goals will likely require a broad base of support. Therefore, we are actively involved in transit funding issues with our Transit Riders Alliance project.