News Summary
Knoxville is exploring the possibility of expanding passenger rail services after decades of decline. A recent Federal Railroad Administration report suggests a new rail route connecting Houston to New York City, with Knoxville as a key stop. This project could significantly boost Tennessee’s economy, create jobs, and provide an alternative to car travel. Local advocacy efforts aim to establish a task force focused on developing these services, highlighting the community’s growing demand for improved transportation infrastructure.
Knoxville is witnessing a surge of interest in expanding passenger rail services, 55 years after the departure of the last regularly scheduled train, the Birmingham Special, from Southern Railway Station. On August 12, 1970, the last ticket was sold to a young man who preferred the train over buses and feared flying. This significant moment marked the end of a chapter in Knoxville’s transportation history, but current developments may herald a new beginning.
A recent report by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) lays out a potential plan for a new rail route connecting Houston to New York City. This proposed corridor, which includes Knoxville as a stop, has received a preliminary score of 14 out of 15, indicating strong feasibility and community need. Other major cities along this route include New Orleans, Montgomery, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Roanoke, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York.
Investing in passenger rail could be a substantial economic booster for Tennessee. Amtrak already contributes approximately $26.9 million to the state’s economy, with $3 million funneled into East Tennessee. The American Public Transportation Association claims that for every $1 invested in public transportation, there are $5 in economic returns, resulting in around 50,000 jobs supported for every $1 billion spent. The cost to build the proposed Houston to New York rail route is estimated at $2 million per mile, which is significantly less than expanding rural interstate highways at $1.32 million per mile and urban highways at $10 million per mile.
A two-track rail line could carry traffic comparable to 16 lanes of highway, presenting a compelling case for reducing highway congestion and enhancing public transportation. Additionally, the high cost of car ownership, averaging over $7,000 annually, makes passenger rail an attractive mobility option for many residents who may not afford their vehicle. Consideration also must be given to the unfortunate reality that more than 45,000 Americans die in automobile accidents each year, highlighting the severe repercussions of an over-reliance on personal vehicles.
Collaboration efforts are already underway among local entities, including Chattanooga and Bristol, to establish passenger rail services in Knoxville. A call for local advocacy invites the establishment of a task force dedicated to developing this service, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the process.
The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations is recommending a study of five potential intercity passenger rail corridors within the state. Key corridors of interest include the Nashville-Chattanooga-Atlanta line and the Chattanooga-Bristol corridor. Working with officials from Virginia, there are plans to enhance rail connectivity between Bristol and neighboring regions.
Currently, Tennessee’s passenger rail service is limited to Amtrak’s City of New Orleans route, which connects Chicago to New Orleans, stopping in Memphis. However, Federal Secretary of Transportation has expressed support for expanding rail services to create vital links between Nashville, Memphis, and Atlanta. This could significantly improve public transit options for residents in the region.
The feasibility study for developing the Chattanooga-Bristol corridor is estimated to cost around $5 billion and may take approximately 15 years to complete. While progress is underway, the momentum for passenger rail expansion in Knoxville demonstrates a growing recognition of the need for improved transportation infrastructure, offering hopes for a sustainable and accessible future.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Opinion on Passenger Rail in East Tennessee
- Herald Mail Media: MTA Releases ID of Woman Struck by Train
- Southern Living: Tennessee Train Rides
- WBIR: Experts React to New Passenger Rail System
- Tennessee Lookout: Amtrak Rail in Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Passenger Rail Transport
- Google Search: Passenger Rail Expansion in Tennessee
- Google Scholar: Passenger Rail Economic Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Passenger Rail Transportation
- Google News: Passenger Rail News
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
