Fight continues for I.C.-Chicago passenger rail

After years of discussion, on the heels of an announcement that $230 million in federal funds ensured that passenger rail between Chicago and Iowa City finally was a go, officials once again tapped the brake when Governor-elect Terry Branstad demurred last week about whether he'll accept the money. He wants to study the idea.

Even I've wondered how accurate those proposed passenger numbers will turn out to be. Even so, the last thing this project needs is more study.

And the Obama administration has been clear: that money is for rail or for nothing. If some states don't want it, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has said, he's sure he can find other states that do.

Meanwhile, rail advocates appear to be ramping back up for yet another fight. In my inbox this afternoon from the  Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce: Four pages of rebuttals to common criticisms about the train. Some highlights:

 According to the Iowa Travel Federation, tourism is a $5.4 billion business for the state. Passenger rail will bring tourists and other recreational travelers to the Iowa City area, such as fans of Big 10 Athletics and friends/family of the 6,000 University of Iowa students from Illinois.

Fact Check: Amtrak has had serious problems with on-time performance for decades.

The Facts: Amtrak's Illinois service corridor routes (e.g., Quincy to Chicago) have 79% on-time performance as of October 2010. Officials from Quincy, IL and Champaign, IL indicate that when delayed, trains still arrive within minutes of the scheduled time.

Fact Check: Iowa City residents will spend their money in Chicago.

The Facts: Downtown retailers are enthusiastic about rail. Joni Schrup of Discerning Eye, an optical boutique in downtown Iowa City depends on patronage from Chicago residents. Joni says Chicago residents enjoy the ease and convenience of shopping in downtown Iowa City and the uniqueness of our local products. Other downtown retailers agree.

According to the Iowa Travel Federation, tourism is a $5.4 billion business for the state. Passenger rail will bring tourists and other recreational travelers to the Iowa City area, such as fans of Big 10 Athletics and friends/family of the 6,000 University of Iowa students from Illinois.

Fact Check: Passenger rail is too expensive. You can purchase a Megabus ticket to Chicago for $1.

The Facts: Travelers on passenger rail can be comfortable and move about while in transit, enjoying a more pleasant experience without fighting congestion during their commute. Traveling by rail saves the hefty expense and inconvenience of parking in downtown Chicago. Megabus provides a very different experience than passenger rail. Although there are a few low-fare tickets, the Megabus supply/demand model means other passengers pay more than the advertised low fares.

Fact Check: "High-speed rail is slower than flying and less convenient than driving ...”

The Facts: Rail travelers can be productive while in transit and enjoy a safer, more pleasant experience than fighting congestion on the roadways. Travel time for rail is competitive to flying when you factor in the amount of time it takes from when you leave your door to the time you arrive in downtown Chicago.

Fact Check: Trains are outdated and nobody will ride them.

The Facts: Amtrak achieved its highest ridership to date, more than 28.7 million, in fiscal year 2010 (It was less than half that when Amtrak started in 1971). The Chicago-Quincy route has experienced a five-year increase in ridership of 77 percent with an average annual increase of 15 percent.

Fact Check: Most Amtrak routes lose money so subsidies will be required.

The Facts: The State of Iowa is leveraging $20 million plus Illinois' share of $60 million for $230 million in federal funds. If you look at the cost benefit analysis, we are not giving a lot to gain a lot. If the State of Iowa elected to proceed with rail at a later date, it would cost the state significantly more. Highways, transit systems and many airports are subsidized because of necessary infrastructure investments to grow and enhance commerce and our quality of life. Rail offers enhanced connectivity with existing bus, rail, air and transit services.