Southeastern Wisconsin's Rail Revival: A Fresh Take on Connectivity

Southeastern Wisconsin is stepping into a new era of rail travel. The MARK Rail project, which stands for Milwaukee Area-Racine-Kenosha Passenger Rail, is a fresh take on connecting these cities to Chicago. This isn't just a simple update of an old idea. It's a complete overhaul, focusing on speed and efficiency rather than multiple local stops. The MARK Passenger Rail Commission kicked off its journey on December 5, 2025, at Racine City Hall. They adopted bylaws, elected officers, and set their sights on securing federal funds. This marks a big step forward in a decades-long effort to bring passenger rail back to the Lake Michigan shoreline. The project is not just about travel. It's about connecting people to jobs, education, and new opportunities. By linking these cities to Chicago, the project aims to boost the local economy and attract new businesses. It's a strategic shift from the old commuter model to a faster, more efficient intercity rail service. The Commission chose to pursue funding through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program. This program offers a higher federal match, more technical support, and a phased development structure. It's a better fit for the project and gives more flexibility in service design and coordination. The MARK Passenger Rail Commission is a new governing body. It replaces earlier planning groups and is made up of representatives from Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha. They have adopted bylaws that outline their purpose and governance structure. The Commission is committed to advancing the public interest by pursuing the development and implementation of passenger rail service. The project also involves collaboration with Metra, which currently operates the Union Pacific corridor. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MARK Commission and Metra lays the groundwork for collaboration on scheduling, fares, equipment, and infrastructure planning. Metra will not be the operator but will be a key stakeholder due to its current presence and expertise. The Commission is already working on an application for the next Corridor ID grant cycle, expected in early 2026. If selected, the project will move into the Service Development Plan phase, followed by preliminary engineering, environmental review, and eventually, construction. The full timeline could stretch over several years, with local match funding becoming necessary starting in Step 2 of the Corridor ID process. One of the strategic decisions behind the project is its urban focus. By centering the effort in Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha, the Commission is avoiding the jurisdictional and political complications that kept the previous project from becoming a reality. This approach is legal under state statutes and modeled after similar rail commissions elsewhere in Wisconsin.