The Way I See It!

KRM Info

Posted by Randy Hollenbeck on May 15, 2009

KRM, Metra, Cudahy, Milwaukee County

http://www.transitnow.org/KRM.html

Amtrak trains run on the Canadian Pacific line that runs just east of I-94 in mostly undeveloped "green fields".  The KRM Commuter Rail route uses the Union Pacific line that runs along Lake Michigan through densely populated urban areas and rapidly developing communities where employees and employers are located.  Rail stations are development magnets.  Existing communities along the lake want new development.  Stations in green field areas along Amtrak's route would encourage urban

KRM commuter line hits major snag
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/01/19/story1.html

Union Pacific Corp. has notified Milwaukee-area government officials that the proposed KRM commuter rail agreement must be renegotiated before the railroad will allow its tracks to be used for rail passenger service between Kenosha and Milwaukee.

When Union Pacific Railroad and KRM advocates go back to the negotiation table, the railroad will ask KRM to cover the cost to build a second main track, higher fees to access the railroad’s rail lines and higher insurance payments to insure diesel railcars, according to a letter obtained by The Business Journal.

Union Pacific had preferred that the Chicago-based Metra, which already operates the commuter rail service from downtown Chicago to Kenosha, would get a contract to run the rail service from Kenosha to Milwaukee.

“It’s too bad Metra couldn’t do it because they’ve got the insurance and liability issues worked out, and KRM wouldn’t have to reinvent the wheel,” Beitzel said.

Here is information from the Master Plan 

City of Cudahy 2020 Comprehensive Plan

Actively collaborate with SEWRPC, a future RTA and other organizations and community groups to make KRM commuter rail line with a downtown Cudahy station, a reality.  Collaborate with General Mitchell International Airport to designate Downtown Cudahy as the "Airport Station" once KRM line establishes service, with frequent shuttle service.

Remain aware of proposed changes to freight rail service in Cudahy.  If needed approach the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad on behalf of Cudahy businesses to explore service changes.

Map of KRM Station on page 96, 103 and 122

of PDF

 http://www.vandewalle.com/work/Cudahy/March%202009/OpenHouseDraftforVAReview022709SR.pdf