Driving the Rail Revolution
Illinois at the Crossroads:
Unlocking Potential, Transforming the Nation’s Rail Network
Illinois is rich with potential—rolling prairies, top-tier universities, and cutting-edge industries. A modern rail network from Galena to Cairo would drive new jobs, ideas, and people into the state.
With Chicago as the nation’s rail hub, a bold railway expansion in Illinois won’t just reshape the state—it will redefine the national conversation.
Long-term thinking, right now.
Several bills in the Illinois Legislature could turn this vision into reality—funding bridges, high-performance trains, and crucial engineering work. These investments would modernize transit connections, create thousands of jobs, and drive economic growth across the state.trains.
It Starts with a Plan
Illinois Corridors and Projects
Learn more about the capital investments Illinois needs to re-connect the state.
High-Speed Rail
The Illinois High-Speed Railway Commission is designing a new Chicago – St. Louis line.
Take Action
There are multiple bills in the Illinois State Legislature that could make this happen. Learn how you can help.
Chicago’s critical role
Chicago’s four terminal stations offer direct service to 525 stations in 36 states. There should be many more.
What happens in Chicago truly has a national impact.
Four Electrified Routes
Illinois should join with surrounding states and the federal government to create, and fund, a master plan to make Chicago hum. It starts with four electrified routes dedicated to fast regional and high-speed trains into and through the city.
Great Potential
Illinois has existing programs that can be expanded to meet the need.
Regional Rail
Downstate Regional Rail
High-Speed Rail
The Illinois High Speed Railway Commission is designing a new high-speed line as the backbone of an integrated network.
Regional Bus
Success in Normal
Normal built a more prosperous downtown around a new station and faster trains to Chicago. A state railway program would repeat this success statewide. Learn more about Normal success
We Need an Integrated Network Plan
llinois has many transit ideas, but no unified vision. The state needs an Integrated Network Plan—a bold strategy that connects buses and trains to make travel faster, safer, and more affordable.
The Plans goals should be:
- Easy access to Chicago, Springfield, and O’Hare from anywhere in Illinois
- Practical trips between all metropolitan areas throughout the day
- Chicago to St. Louis in only 2 hours
Projects with National Significance
Several big projects in Illinois will have huge benefits far beyond the state borders.
What Needs to Happen to Bring Great Trains to Illinois?
Train riders, community leaders, and engaged advocates need to persuade Springfield to:
- Treat transit as a statewide issue
- Fund new bridges, better track, and high-performance trains
- Help communities build walkable, enjoyable communities around railway stations
- Expand the Bureau of Railroads to effectively manage the program
Here’s how you can help
Sign the Petition
See progress in Springfield
Multiple bills have been introduced to support an integrated railway program. Learn more here.
Become a member
Join thousands of advocates across the state working to make fast trains a reality.
