In Montana, distance and weather too often decide who can show up.

“Several states poised to benefit from Big Sky Passenger Rail,” highlights multi-state support, local and Tribal resolutions, heritage tourism and FRA Corridor ID planning along the former North Coast Hiawatha route. www.themunicipal.com/2025/11/seve...

It is not a dream but a vision! The closest thing we could get it is what’s being supported by the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social

The 2025 elections saw more than 80% of public transit measures passed nationwide, with over $11.6B for buses and trains. That momentum matters for the Big Sky North Coast Corridor: communities across the country are voting for more, better #passengerrail. www.masstransitmag.com/management/a...

We’re hitting the tracks across Montana! The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is conducting public outreach along the Empire Builder route to better understand community transportation needs Join us at one of the facilitated public meetings to share your thoughts!

ICYMI: “Big Sky Rail has news for the rest of us.” Train Time host Karen Christensen talks with BSPRA Chair Dave Strohmaier about Corridor ID, coalition-building across the Greater Northwest, and lessons for advocates. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CGs... #PassengerRail #CorridorID

North Dakota’s $150K commitment advances the Big Sky North Coast Corridor (Chicago–Seattle via the I-94 communities). “Passenger rail in this corridor is a federal responsibility — and a vital opportunity for every community along the route.” — Dave Strohmaier #PassengerRail

Help Shape the Future of Passenger Rail If you attended the 2025 Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Annual Conference — in person or virtually — we’d love your feedback! Please complete the survey by October 20th to help us continually improve. SURVEY LINK: www.surveymonkey.com/r/6TBMZ3M

We’re honored to partner with the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University, the University of Memphis and Cal State Long Beach as part of a new $6.4 million FRA CRISI workforce development grant. www.einpresswire.com/article/8561...

On Oct 6, 1979 the North Coast Hiawatha made its final run through Montana. 46 years later BSPRA is working to revive that service through the Big Sky North Coast Corridor — linking communities from Chicago to Seattle once again. Learn more: bigskyrailmt.gov #NorthCoastHiawatha #RailRevival

🚆 Missed the 2025 Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Annual Conference? More than 120 leaders from eight western states came together in Livingston, MT, to shape the future of passenger rail across the American West.

Federal momentum for the Big Sky North Coast Corridor. U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (MT) has introduced S.2916, making it easier for long-distance passenger rail projects to advance in the Corridor ID program. www.fairfieldsuntimes.com/news/state/s...

"Big Sky Rail has news for the rest of us." In a new Train Time episode, Dave Strohmaier shares how BSPRA went from vision to momentum — FRA Corridor ID, coalition-building, and lessons for rail advocates across the U.S. 🎥 Watch: youtu.be/-CGsoCUKBV8 #BigSkyRail #PassengerRail #Montana

We’ll be speaking at the Pacific Northwest Rail Summit, Oct 14–17 in Portland! 🚆 The Big Sky North Coast Corridor spans 2,300 miles across eight states, and we will be part of the conversation on passenger rail restoration, investment, and coordination at the Summit. pnwer.org/2025-forum

Passenger rail in Montana isn’t just about restoring a train — it’s about reclaiming history and building a more connected future. Monica Tranel reflects on BSPRA’s Livingston conference and the vision of rail that serves communities, not corporations. open.substack.com/pub/monicatr...

Take Action: Support Passenger Rail Reauthorization In two minutes, you can email your Senators and Representatives and urge them to support passenger rail in the upcoming federal transportation reauthorization. Scan the QR code or visit railpassengers.org/bigsky to send your message today.

Last week’s Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority conference in Livingston showed how vision becomes action: Bipartisan support / national momentum. Counties, tribes, and communities across Montana engaged. Historic federal funding: $1.2 trillion in transportation reauthorization under discussion.

Thanks to @railpassengers.org & Sean Jeans-Gail for joining us in Livingston, sharing your voice, and lifting BSPRA’s work in your Call to Action. 🚆 Read Sean’s recap: Dispatches from Big Sky Country → www.railpassengers.org/happening-no... #PassengerRail #BigSkyNorthCoastCorridor #Infrastructure

Tuesday September 9th 11:00 - 11:15 a.m. MT

Reimagining Passenger Rail Operations Tuesday, Sept. 9 | 9:30–10:40 a.m. | Livingston Depot This morning’s session brings together leading voices on the future of passenger rail to explore new models and innovations in passenger rail operations. More conference highlights: lnkd.in/gBHnQRB7

Federal Policy Briefing – Surface Transportation Reauthorization Sept. 9 8:45 - 9:30 a.m. Featuring John Robert Smith, Transportation for America, and Sean Jeans-Gail, @railpassengers.org Register: www.bigskyrail.org/2025-bspra-a...

Keynote: Knox Ross – Chairman, Southern Rail Commission Sept. 9 | Livingston Depot Reviving passenger rail and reconnecting communities across the South. Register: www.bigskyrail.org/2025-bspra-a... #BigSkyRail #PassengerRail #SouthernRailCommission #MardiGras #Amtrak #TrainTravel

We’re excited to welcome Streamline Bus as a regional partner! This partnership advances multimodal connectivity & strengthens the vision for restored passenger rail in Montana. 🚍🚆 More: tinyurl.com/2pmxm9sd #PassengerRail #MultimodalTransit #Streamline

We’re honored to welcome John Robert Smith (Transportation for America, former Amtrak Board Chair) to the BSPRA Annual Conference in Livingston, MT. Sept. 8 Government Partners Workshop & Lunch Sept. 9 Federal Rail Policy Briefing & Taking Action Register via QR code...

This #LaborDay, we honor the workers who built the railroads that shaped Montana — from roundhouses to trestles — and whose legacy continues to inspire us today. (📸 Livingston Montana’s Photo History)

🚆 The 2025 Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Annual Conference is set for Sept. 8–10 in Livingston, MT. Speakers from Amtrak, Southern Rail Commission, Transportation for America & more will join us. Register: www.bigskyrail.org/2025-bspra-a...

🎉 The Mardi Gras train is back on the Gulf Coast 🚆 Hear from leaders who made it happen — Knox Ross + John Robert Smith — at our Livingston conference (Sept. 8–10). 👉 Register: tinyurl.com/ymf5nfnu 📸 Southern Rail Commission FYI @t4america.bsky.social @apta-info.bsky.social @railpassengers.org

🚆 Passenger rail is about more than travel — it’s about revitalizing communities. The Big Sky North Coast Corridor aims to reconnect 2,300 miles of track, linking metro areas, Tribal nations, and rural towns. Catch up via our Summer 2025 Newsletter ⬇️ 🔗 bigskyrail.org/summer-2025-newsletter

🚆 BSPRA 2025 Annual Conference | Sept 8–10 | Livingston, MT Early bird ends Aug 18! Hear from Tim Sheehy, Elaine Clegg (Amtrak), Knox Ross & John Robert Smith. Join the movement to restore passenger rail. Register: www.bigskyrail.org/2025-bspra-a...

Big Sky North Coast Corridor leadership traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to meet with federal partners at the US Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration as well as key legislators.

Exciting news! @amtrak.com service may return to Bismarck as part of the Big Sky North Coast Corridor. The Bismarck‑Mandan MPO is studying the potential impact and community benefits: www.kfyrtv.com/2025/07/17/a... #PassengerRail #Bismarck #BSPRA #TrainTravel

The City of Belgrade has officially joined the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s Government Partners Program. Regional momentum continues to build for long-distance passenger rail in Montana and beyond!

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July from the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority! From Miles City to Missoula, Fargo to Spokane, we’re working to reconnect rural Montana and the Northern Rockies by rail. Small towns matter. Communities deserve connection. #4thOfJuly #BigSkyCountry #PassengerRail #MilesCityMT

Sept 8–10 in Livingston, MT Join us at the 2025 BSPRA Annual Conference: Turning Our Stories into Action Corridor ID strategy, station planning, and a national vision for passenger rail through 7 states. Info & registration: www.bigskyrail.org/2025-bspra-a... #BSPRA2025 #RailConference

Montana lost a true public servant. In 1979, Rep. Pat Williams stood up to save the North Coast Hiawatha—defending southern Montana’s rail connection to the nation. tinyurl.com/5dc3e94y

SPRC’s new visual summary outlines a smart path forward: a national equipment pool to support modern passenger rail. BSPRA supports this coordinated approach. #PassengerRail #MobilityForAll #SmartGrowth #S4PRC #RollingStock #MadeInAmerica

About 35 people joined us at Brothers Tapworks in Helena to talk about restoring passenger rail. Dr. Gregory Thomas led a candid and thoughtful conversation on behalf of BSPRA. Big thanks to the community for showing up. #BigSkyRail #HelenaMT #Railway #PublicTransportation

BSPRA helped secure $15 million in @usdot.bsky.social FRA federal funding to fix a critical chokepoint on the @amtrak.com Empire Builder near Malta, MT. We’re working to expand passenger rail, not take anything away.

What would it take to bring passenger rail back to Helena? Join us for an informal, community conversation over a pint! 📍 Brothers Tapworks, Helena 🗓️ Monday, June 16 🕕 6:00 PM This is your opportunity to ask questions, share your ideas, and learn about how to get involved.

We’re thrilled to share that the City of Belgrade has joined BSPRA's Government Partners Program! Belgrade’s leadership reinforces growing momentum across southern Montana to restore long-distance passenger rail. Government Partners Program: www.bigskyrail.org/gov-partners...

🚆 Thank you, Helena. More than 25 people joined us at Ten Mile Creek Brewery to hear about the Big Sky North Coast Corridor and discuss what long-distance passenger rail could mean for our region. Missed it? You’ll have another chance to join us: 📍 Brothers Tapworks 🗓️ Monday, June 16 🕕 6:00 PM

Bringing Passenger Rail Back to Helena - A Community Conversation. Tuesday, May 27th at 5 PM at Ten Mile Creek Brewery for a conversation with Dr. Gregory Thomas, Helena’s representative to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and Vice Chair of its Governance Committee.

Today, we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. Local families gathered at the Hingham Depot to send off soldiers during World War I. Montana’s rail lines once carried thousands to war. We carry forward their legacy with gratitude and purpose. #GreatFallsTribune

ALERT: Amtrak’s Board meets May 22 @ 12:30–2PM ET — virtual only. Public can’t comment, but we can show up. Long Distance Fleet + Nat’l Network updates expected. 📲 Register to attend: amtrak.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #PassengerRail #Amtrak #LongDistanceTrains

North Dakota just became the first state to commit funds ($150K) to support the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, Chicago to Seattle, with ND stops in Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson, and Medora. Story via The Dickinson Press (subscription may be required): tinyurl.com/39b66bsw

Good news…Episode 3 is out! In this episode of Reconnect America, we continue our deep dive into the history and future prospects of U.S. passenger rail—and the vital importance of the service it provides (or once provided) to the social and economic life of communities across the country.

Montana’s 2025 Tourism Award winners = local pride + powerful storytelling. Charlie Russell Chew Choo, Yellowstone Art Museum, All-American Indian Shootout/Crow Tribe, Beaverhead Treasure Hunt, Tim Montana, Glendive Murals Missoula Film community news.mt.gov/Department-o...

Amtrak’s founding was only the beginning of the fight. Episode 3 of @SolutionaryRail’s series—featuring Big Sky’s Dave Strohmaier—dives into the hard truths of public rail in America. 🎥 x.com/SolutionaryR... #PassengerRail #BigSkyRail #Amtrak #RailMatters

Celebrating #NationalTrainDay in Big Sky Country Reconnecting the past to the future — from Roosevelt at the Missoula depot to today's momentum. #PassengerRail #PublicTransport #Montana

WA is planning the future of rail and MT should be part of the conversation. Public input is open on the 2025 WA State Rail Plan. This matters to all of us fighting for long-distance rail in MT, ND & the greater Northwest. engagekh.mysocialpinpoint.com/WAStateRailP... May 8 (tonight!) + May 22