Southeastern Wisconsin – Amtrak Extension

Extension of Amtrak’s Hiawatha service to General Mitchell Airport is another important step towards a truly multi-modal transportation system in southeastern Wisconsin, which will improve transportation choices and promote economic development.

Amtrak’s Hiawatha service runs seven times daily between Chicago and Milwaukee.  In 2003, it was Amtrak’s top line for on-time performance at 95%.  Throughout 2003 and 2004, ridership levels on the Hiawatha line have increased.  However, until now, General Mitchell Airport was not connected to the Hiawatha line and, in turn, streamlined connections to downtown Milwaukee and the Chicago-area were not optimized.

Projected benefits of this service extension include:

  • Increased economic development and business opportunities in southeastern Wisconsin as linkages from General Mitchell Airport to downtown Milwaukee are increased.

  • Positioning of General Mitchell Airport as Chicago’s third airport, which will increase economic development and business opportunities.

 

To learn more about the rail connection and the General Mitchell Airport rail station, visit the project page on Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s website at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/state/gmia.htm

 

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