Hello Reader, it is Kev again!

Welcome back! This is a lengthy message, but it contains good news for train travelers! Improved performance, bonus Amtrak points, and a Roomette companion sale.

New Midwest Train Route Could Reconnect the USA Heartland by Rail

The possibility of a new Amtrak rail line across the Midwest advanced this fall as regional leaders secured funding to continue planning the “Midwest Connect” project — a proposed passenger route linking Chicago, Fort Wayne, Columbus, and Pittsburgh.

If implemented, this service would restore rail travel options for communities that haven’t had it for decades. Columbus, for example, is one of the largest U.S. cities without any Amtrak service. Fort Wayne has had no trains since the late 1990s.

Supporters say the route would boost economic growth, offer a less stressful alternative to highways, and promote more sustainable transportation options. And it would create a smoother connection across states that currently rely heavily on long drives or regional flights.

Currently, the project is in the early planning phase under the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program. Therefore, schedules, station stops, travel times, and fares haven't been determined yet — and tickets are still years away.

But momentum is building. Local and regional partners recently pledged $650,000 in matching funds to move the project forward to the next stage of federal review, where more detailed service plans will be developed. Once completed, these studies could pave the way for future construction funding.

Rail advocates in Ohio and Indiana see this corridor as a key part of future expansion, linking with existing long-distance and corridor trains in Chicago and Pittsburgh. For travelers hoping to reach more Midwest destinations by rail, that future may be getting closer.

For now, the Midwest Connect remains just a plan on paper — but one with the potential to reshape regional transportation.

As an Amtrak traveler, I would love to see this route operating If timed well, and the second Pennsylvanian came to be, this train could connect people beyond Pittsburgh to towns like Lancaster, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and more.

Amtrak's New Airo Fleet is in the Testing Stage!

The first Amtrak Cascades trainset has completed testing in Pueblo, Colorado, and is now traveling along the Northeast Corridor for additional testing—a crucial step toward launching the fleet in 2026 on the Cascades route.

This marks the beginning of Amtrak's major fleet upgrade. A total of 83 new Airo trainsets will be introduced nationwide, starting with the Amtrak Cascades in 2026, followed by the Northeast Regional and other routes.

The new trains provide a fresh travel experience with Pacific Northwest-inspired design, modern amenities, and regional food and beverage options.

What this means for passengers: The Airo fleet represents Amtrak's most significant equipment upgrade in years. If you're planning to travel on the West Coast in 2026 or take Northeast Corridor trips shortly after, you'll be among the first to try out these new trainsets. Keep an eye out for the train set as it crosses the country to the East Coast for testing.

What has Kev been up to?

We are in the middle of fall here in Wisconsin. Looking out my window, I see trees that have changed from green to shades of yellow and gold. Like an overly ripe pear, shades of brown are also present. But still beautiful in its own right.

My Midwest regional trip? Still unbooked, even though I know I should. The older I get, the faster time seems to fly, which is why we need to book trips sooner rather than later. Time pushes forward whether we're riding or not—let's make sure we're on board.

In my defense, being a freelancer for organ moving, church work, and Travels with Kev means last-minute projects often come up. But that's why I should take my own advice this week—before something else gets in the way.

Looking at the Markers

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Until Next Week…

Safe travels & Happy Planning,
Kev Monteith