3 Mayors Push For Expanded Passenger Rail Service

Supporters of passenger rail service through Wichita are joining forces with officials in Oklahoma and Missouri.

A letter of support signed by the mayors of Wichita, Oklahoma City and Kansas City, Mo., was unveiled Friday on the eve of National Train Day.

Rail supporters say they want to close the 185-mile service gap between Oklahoma City and Wichita. They contend creating daily passenger rail service between the two cities would strengthen the existing regional network throughout the I-35 corridor that stretches from San Antonio to Kansas City, Mo.

Wichita Vice Mayor Pete Meitzner says Kansas will contribute $3 million for the city to pursue federal funding for the project, contingent on Oklahoma providing $2.3 million.

It is estimated to cost $90 million for the expanded rail service.