Study of Amtrak line to St. Joseph expected to finish this summer 

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- An evaluation looking at the viability of an Amtrak line connecting to St. Joseph is on track to finish in the coming months. 

The Missouri Department of Transportation selected Crawford, Murphy & Tilly to conduct a feasibility study looking at options for a proposed Amtrak line to St. Joseph a year ago. MoDOT expected the study to be finished this spring, but it faced a delay. 

“The feasibility study consultant requested an extension to complete the work, which was granted,” MoDOT spokesperson Jenna Keyes said in an email statement. “They now expect to have it completed late this summer.” 

One St. Joseph resident who is from California likes the idea of an Amtrak line in the city.  

“It is a lot faster, and it is, of course, better for the environment, you know, 100 people riding on a train versus a hundred people in a car,” Gwendolyn Lack said. 

But Lack would like to see other issues, like drug abuse, handled before a project like this would begin.  

“It would probably benefit the city later on, but now there's so many issues with Saint Joe, I think money is spent better else place,” she said.  

MoDOT’s study, funded by federal grant money, is looking at a line connecting St. Joseph to Kansas City, which another St. Joseph resident supports depending on the end destination. 

“If they go to Union Station or to the airport, people can go from here to there and then go on to the final destination,” Stephen Seufert said. 

Seufert remembers riding on the train with his grandmother. It’s an experience he shared with his nephew so he could experience the scenery and sounds on the ride. 

He recalled relaxing rides, getting snacks in the dining car, and bringing his own food and beverages. 

“Even if you don't need to ride for transportation, it's just nostalgic to go back and ride a train,” he said.