Through a grant made possible by the Montana Healthcare Foundation, The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority has been hosting a series of meetings in rural communities across southern Montana.

The goal of these meetings is to bring people together from across the state to gain their input regarding the restoration of the Southern Montana passenger rail route (the former North Coast Limited/North Coast Hiawatha) and the health benefits of train transportation. Once all six meetings are held, a final report will be written and sent to the Federal Railroad Administration to assist them in determining which former passenger rail routes should make their short list for recommended restoration as the FRA works through the long-distance passenger rail service study that was established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.

The Rail Authority has contracted with the Montana State University Local Government Center to provide facilitation of these meetings and the discussion will document benefits to the communities from passenger rail service specifically focusing on social determinants of health. Last Wednesday, a meeting was held in Ronan and then in Paradise at the Paradise Community Center that afternoon.

“Paradise was a roaring hit!” beamed Diane Magone, Mineral County BSPRA Representative and board member. “There were about 35 guests at the meeting with more on zoom, and all were extremely engaged. As people introduced themselves, in addition to stating why they would like to see a southern route back, each of them had a positive train memory to share. They were all engaged in the facilitated exercise and produced pages of information to be used for the final report,” she said.

The meeting began with a welcome and overview of the BSPRA mission from Dave Strohmaier, Chairman of the BSPRA and Missoula County Commissioner. Strohmaier discussed the local economic benefits, the federal funding package that is covering the costs, the proposed route and the discussions with Amtrack, Montana Rail Link and Burlington Northern Sante Fe that have taken place since 2020 when the authority was formed.

“These (Ronan and Paradise) were some of the most positive meetings I’ve been to, and they validate that passenger rail is a rare touchstone for folks across the state. As we gear up for our final meeting of this series on the Crow Reservation next month, these listening-sessions have become a very valuable tool,” he said. “This event here in Paradise is directly related to what is going to happen in Boise on July 18 because we are collecting information across the state in 6 communities right now that we will feed to the FRA. In advance to that meeting which will hopefully influence the outcome of that meeting, will be their short-list of recommended routes to be restored.”

The input for the three-hour session focused on how rural residents would use passenger rail service and what amenities they would want in the train stations and trains themselves. Small groups began brainstorming on specific questions and one unanimous answer was passenger rail service would be a huge plus to attend medical appointments. Critical Access Hospitals in small towns usually do not have the specialty services needed so larger markets with more medical facilities would become more available.

This would eliminate winter driving or having to find transportation from friends and family thus providing advanced health care. Socializing, shopping, stress free commuting for vacations, easier travel with children and the ability to travel for people unable to drive were jotted down.

Ample parking at the train stations with free Wi-Fi allows passengers to work on their way to appointments in other towns. Farm-to-table restaurants with Montana produce would be a novel treat for tourists and create more need for ranch and farm goods. The ability to take longer trips without driving can improve the quality of life when airport layovers and the stress of driving are removed. The option of eating and sleeping while advancing to destinations and having the option to deboard on a whim to tour and then reboard at their leisure would be a delight.

The lists grew in length with options and ideas as excitement filled the room. A break was planned for eating but everyone grabbed their sandwiches and went right back to their table to keep the momentum going. The benefits of passenger rail service for personal use increased as the realization of economic development was enhanced.

Montana isn’t the only state vying for this funding to restore passenger rail service as the money to invest is earmarked and if Montana isn’t one of the chosen lines, then the money goes to other states and railroad authorities. For those who were unable to attend the meetings, the BSPRA will be posting the same survey and questions online at www.bigskyrail.org in early June.