Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is pitching state lawmakers on a plan to continue funding their operations by redirecting around $2 million a year from an existing state tax on railroads; State lawmakers are considering a bill that would bolster a program to clean up unsafe and contaminated properties. Most of the program’s current funding stems from the Environmental Protection Agency, which is undergoing significant budget cuts.

One of Montana's passenger rail systems has been out of commission for decades, but some residents want to restore it across the southern part of the state. A listener wants to know what's been happening with those efforts. Is more train travel in Montana's future? Learn more in this episode of the Big Why.

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) held a series of meetings last week to assess how restoring passenger rail service across southern Montana would affect communities.

As two more Montana counties move closer to joining a rail authority in an effort to create passenger service for the southern half of the state, Montana’s Democratic Senator is trying to get more federal funding that would bring back daily service for the Hi Line.

Amtrak says it will work with the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority in an effort to bring a rail line back to Southern Montana.Amtrak offered its support…

Efforts to restore a southern passenger rail line in Montana are gaining speed. Advocates say it would draw in visitors, provide more transportation options and create jobs.