Passenger Service Critical to Missouri’s Bottom Line; Legislature has Opportunity to Ensure Trains Continue to Move Missouri Twice Daily

On January 3, Amtrak cut services between Kansas City and St. Louis by half. Now only one round trip per day is offered, however, the Missouri Legislature has an opportunity to ensure passenger trains stay on track. The State of Missouri maintains the existing Missouri River Runner Amtrak service with state appropriations. An appropriation of $12.5 million this year would ensure twice-daily service to cities and towns across the state including St. Louis, Kirkwood, Washington, Herman, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Lee’s Summit, Warrensburg, Independence and Kansas City.

According to the 2021 State Freight and Rail Plan, Amtrak is delivering more than $208 million annually in economic activity including supporting 1,250 jobs and more than $22 million in annual tax revenues to the state.  In addition, the Missouri River Runner plays a significant role in the state’s tourist economy.  Riders spend an estimated $21 million on hotels and $25 million in food and sightseeing costs each year.

As with transit, Missouri has no dedicated funding source for passenger rail. Funding is subject to legislative general revenue appropriation each year, and this investment has not kept pace with inflation of the cost to operate the service. In FY 2021, MoDOT received $8 million in state support for the operation of the River Runner service. Before Jan. 3, four Amtrak passenger trains ran the Missouri River Runner route between Kansas City and St. Louis. Two trains would depart each city, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Federal law requires states to pay a share of certain Amtrak services. Missouri lawmakers can fund both routes this legislative session by supporting the $12.5 million request. Ensure passenger rail stays on track by reaching out to your Missouri representative or senator today.