Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority
@bigskyrail.bsky.social
Revitalizing Communities and Building Sustainable Economies. Restoring regional passenger rail across southern Montana and the Big Sky North Coast Corridor #CID
With record visitation, many national parks face congestion and access issues for visitors who cannot or prefer not to drive.
Rail access offers a practical alternative. Glacier National Park already benefits from Amtrak service along the Empire Builder route.
www.thetravel.com/why-amtrak-a...
Rail access offers a practical alternative. Glacier National Park already benefits from Amtrak service along the Empire Builder route.
www.thetravel.com/why-amtrak-a...
Why Amtrak-Accessible Parks Could Become The National Park System’s Future
As we move toward more sustainable travel options, having more Amtrak-accessible National Parks might be a crucial move.
www.thetravel.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:56 PM
With record visitation, many national parks face congestion and access issues for visitors who cannot or prefer not to drive.
Rail access offers a practical alternative. Glacier National Park already benefits from Amtrak service along the Empire Builder route.
www.thetravel.com/why-amtrak-a...
Rail access offers a practical alternative. Glacier National Park already benefits from Amtrak service along the Empire Builder route.
www.thetravel.com/why-amtrak-a...
BSPRA 2025 Retrospective
At our January 2026 board meeting, Chairman Dave Strohmaier shared BSPRA’s 2025 Retrospective, a look back at key milestones and a look ahead at priorities for the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.
bigskyrailmt.gov/bspra-2025-r...
At our January 2026 board meeting, Chairman Dave Strohmaier shared BSPRA’s 2025 Retrospective, a look back at key milestones and a look ahead at priorities for the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.
bigskyrailmt.gov/bspra-2025-r...
BSPRA Retrospective 2025 — Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority
bigskyrailmt.gov
January 18, 2026 at 11:57 PM
BSPRA 2025 Retrospective
At our January 2026 board meeting, Chairman Dave Strohmaier shared BSPRA’s 2025 Retrospective, a look back at key milestones and a look ahead at priorities for the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.
bigskyrailmt.gov/bspra-2025-r...
At our January 2026 board meeting, Chairman Dave Strohmaier shared BSPRA’s 2025 Retrospective, a look back at key milestones and a look ahead at priorities for the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.
bigskyrailmt.gov/bspra-2025-r...
BSPRA Board Meeting (public welcome)
🗓️ Wed, January 14
11:00 a.m–12:30 p.m. MT
What we’ll cover:
• Hi-Line Community Engagement, Trillium Cooperative
• 2025 Retrospective
• Corridor ID update
• PNWER-RIA subrecipient grant update
• CRISI/WTI grant update
• Fed-State Partnership Malta Project
🗓️ Wed, January 14
11:00 a.m–12:30 p.m. MT
What we’ll cover:
• Hi-Line Community Engagement, Trillium Cooperative
• 2025 Retrospective
• Corridor ID update
• PNWER-RIA subrecipient grant update
• CRISI/WTI grant update
• Fed-State Partnership Malta Project
BSPRA Board Meeting — Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority
Click here to view meeting agenda Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 211 668 932 677 01 Passcode: dZ74jf7q Dial in by phone +1 406-384-6363,,102153781# United State...
bigskyrailmt.gov
January 12, 2026 at 11:39 PM
BSPRA Board Meeting (public welcome)
🗓️ Wed, January 14
11:00 a.m–12:30 p.m. MT
What we’ll cover:
• Hi-Line Community Engagement, Trillium Cooperative
• 2025 Retrospective
• Corridor ID update
• PNWER-RIA subrecipient grant update
• CRISI/WTI grant update
• Fed-State Partnership Malta Project
🗓️ Wed, January 14
11:00 a.m–12:30 p.m. MT
What we’ll cover:
• Hi-Line Community Engagement, Trillium Cooperative
• 2025 Retrospective
• Corridor ID update
• PNWER-RIA subrecipient grant update
• CRISI/WTI grant update
• Fed-State Partnership Malta Project
When Wisconsin's GOP legislature killed its regional transit authority, passenger rail advocates regrouped with Plan B: the MARK Rail Commission, using intergovernmental agreements between cities.
It's exactly what Big Sky Passenger Rail is doing in MT.
pro.stateaffairs.com/wi/news/retu...
It's exactly what Big Sky Passenger Rail is doing in MT.
pro.stateaffairs.com/wi/news/retu...
New MARK Rail Commission Studies Milwaukee-Chicago Train
A new rail plan aims to connect Milwaukee to Chicago, reviving the defunct KRM project with a focus on intercity passenger rail.
pro.stateaffairs.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:59 PM
When Wisconsin's GOP legislature killed its regional transit authority, passenger rail advocates regrouped with Plan B: the MARK Rail Commission, using intergovernmental agreements between cities.
It's exactly what Big Sky Passenger Rail is doing in MT.
pro.stateaffairs.com/wi/news/retu...
It's exactly what Big Sky Passenger Rail is doing in MT.
pro.stateaffairs.com/wi/news/retu...
Christmas wish: private rail car. 🎄🚆
Private rail cars can still attach to Amtrak service—most people don't know this.
The point? Shared infrastructure. Coach, sleeper, or private car—it all depends on a functioning network.
BSPRA is working to restore the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.
Private rail cars can still attach to Amtrak service—most people don't know this.
The point? Shared infrastructure. Coach, sleeper, or private car—it all depends on a functioning network.
BSPRA is working to restore the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.
December 28, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Christmas wish: private rail car. 🎄🚆
Private rail cars can still attach to Amtrak service—most people don't know this.
The point? Shared infrastructure. Coach, sleeper, or private car—it all depends on a functioning network.
BSPRA is working to restore the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.
Private rail cars can still attach to Amtrak service—most people don't know this.
The point? Shared infrastructure. Coach, sleeper, or private car—it all depends on a functioning network.
BSPRA is working to restore the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.
Big Sky Development & Strategic Engagement Committee Chair Dan Bucks and Montana Rep. Denise Baum spoke at the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) annual forum in Portland this fall.
Explore PNWER Summit materials:
www.rianorthwest.org/blog/nov-25
Explore PNWER Summit materials:
www.rianorthwest.org/blog/nov-25
December 24, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Big Sky Development & Strategic Engagement Committee Chair Dan Bucks and Montana Rep. Denise Baum spoke at the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) annual forum in Portland this fall.
Explore PNWER Summit materials:
www.rianorthwest.org/blog/nov-25
Explore PNWER Summit materials:
www.rianorthwest.org/blog/nov-25
Shared with permission from The Big Timber Pioneer: a guest opinion piece by Peter D. Fox, BSPRA director and Sweet Grass County representative.
Peter writes about why Sweet Grass County took “a seat at the table” and why community support will help shape what comes next.
#PassengerRail #Montana
Peter writes about why Sweet Grass County took “a seat at the table” and why community support will help shape what comes next.
#PassengerRail #Montana
December 20, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Shared with permission from The Big Timber Pioneer: a guest opinion piece by Peter D. Fox, BSPRA director and Sweet Grass County representative.
Peter writes about why Sweet Grass County took “a seat at the table” and why community support will help shape what comes next.
#PassengerRail #Montana
Peter writes about why Sweet Grass County took “a seat at the table” and why community support will help shape what comes next.
#PassengerRail #Montana
BOGO Roomette deal is back.
Amtrak’s Twice as Nice sale lets you bring a travel companion free when you book a Roomette.
Book by Dec. 19 for travel Jan. 4 – Mar. 31, 2026. Use code C125.
media.amtrak.com/2025/12/doub...
#Amtrak #TrainTravel #Roomette #SleeperCar #RailTravel #TravelDeals
Amtrak’s Twice as Nice sale lets you bring a travel companion free when you book a Roomette.
Book by Dec. 19 for travel Jan. 4 – Mar. 31, 2026. Use code C125.
media.amtrak.com/2025/12/doub...
#Amtrak #TrainTravel #Roomette #SleeperCar #RailTravel #TravelDeals
Double the Fun with a Plus One in a Roomette via Amtrak's 'Twice as Nice' Sale - Amtrak Media
media.amtrak.com
December 16, 2025 at 10:58 PM
BOGO Roomette deal is back.
Amtrak’s Twice as Nice sale lets you bring a travel companion free when you book a Roomette.
Book by Dec. 19 for travel Jan. 4 – Mar. 31, 2026. Use code C125.
media.amtrak.com/2025/12/doub...
#Amtrak #TrainTravel #Roomette #SleeperCar #RailTravel #TravelDeals
Amtrak’s Twice as Nice sale lets you bring a travel companion free when you book a Roomette.
Book by Dec. 19 for travel Jan. 4 – Mar. 31, 2026. Use code C125.
media.amtrak.com/2025/12/doub...
#Amtrak #TrainTravel #Roomette #SleeperCar #RailTravel #TravelDeals
Mardi Gras Service is a reminder that when passenger rail is real and reliable, people use it.
In the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, we see HUGE interest from residents, students, visitors and communities wanting or needing connection!
www.southernrailcommission.org/press-releas...
In the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, we see HUGE interest from residents, students, visitors and communities wanting or needing connection!
www.southernrailcommission.org/press-releas...
Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Marks Exceptional First-Year Performance — Southern Rail Commission
Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is concluding its inaugural quarter as one of the most successful service launches in Amtrak’s history. Since debuting in August, the route has exceeded expectations across ...
www.southernrailcommission.org
December 16, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Mardi Gras Service is a reminder that when passenger rail is real and reliable, people use it.
In the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, we see HUGE interest from residents, students, visitors and communities wanting or needing connection!
www.southernrailcommission.org/press-releas...
In the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, we see HUGE interest from residents, students, visitors and communities wanting or needing connection!
www.southernrailcommission.org/press-releas...
Missoula is a railroad town. This @bnsfrailway.bsky.social story highlights the freight corridor that powers the region and anchors the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, where we aim to bring passenger rail back.
bnsf.com/news-media/r...
bnsf.com/news-media/r...
Missoula: Where tracks and history meet in unparalleled beauty
Native Americans first came here in search of bison. They were followed by the Lewis & Clark expedition, miners and railroad survey parties, all guided by five valleys that converge to form a natural ...
bnsf.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Missoula is a railroad town. This @bnsfrailway.bsky.social story highlights the freight corridor that powers the region and anchors the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, where we aim to bring passenger rail back.
bnsf.com/news-media/r...
bnsf.com/news-media/r...
In Montana, distance and weather too often decide who can show up.
December 2, 2025 at 9:06 PM
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...
www.themunicipal.com/2025/11/seve...
Several states posed to benefit from Big Sky Passenger Rail - The Municipal
The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 when 12 counties in Montana passed a joint resolution.
www.themunicipal.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:17 PM
“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...
www.themunicipal.com/2025/11/seve...
Reposted by Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority
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
November 25, 2025 at 3:31 PM
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...
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...
2025 election results: More than 80% of U.S. public transit measures pass
Ballot measures ranged from enshrining funding for agencies and the establishment of a new regional transportation authority to policy adjustments to streamline building transit...
www.masstransitmag.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:57 PM
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...
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!
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!
November 4, 2025 at 9:03 PM
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!
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
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
Big Sky Rail has news for the rest of us
YouTube video by Train Time
www.youtube.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:57 PM
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
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
“Passenger rail in this corridor is a federal responsibility — and a vital opportunity for every community along the route.” — Dave Strohmaier
#PassengerRail
October 22, 2025 at 11:15 PM
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
“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
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
October 16, 2025 at 12:15 AM
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
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...
www.einpresswire.com/article/8561...
October 13, 2025 at 3:38 AM
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...
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
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
October 6, 2025 at 9:32 PM
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
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.
More than 120 leaders from eight western states came together in Livingston, MT, to shape the future of passenger rail across the American West.
October 6, 2025 at 1:51 PM
🚆 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.
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...
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...
Sheehy bill could boost rail passenger service through Bozeman
If the route enters service within the BSPRA's proposed five-year timeline, a 2,300-mile rail service could connect passengers from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest by end of 2030.
www.fairfieldsuntimes.com
October 4, 2025 at 1:06 AM
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...
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
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
October 3, 2025 at 2:05 AM
"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
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
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
2025 Economic Forum and Rail Summit
PNWER is proud to host the Build Northwest Economic Forum in conjunction with the fourth annual Pacific Northwest Rail Summit. As a global trade hub, the Pacific Northwest region depends on robust...
pnwer.org
September 29, 2025 at 9:49 PM
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
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...
Monica Tranel reflects on BSPRA’s Livingston conference and the vision of rail that serves communities, not corporations.
open.substack.com/pub/monicatr...
Rail connections
The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s proposed corridor will restore the North Coast Hiawatha route, linking Chicago to Seattle and Portland through southern Montana.
open.substack.com
September 24, 2025 at 12:30 AM
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...
Monica Tranel reflects on BSPRA’s Livingston conference and the vision of rail that serves communities, not corporations.
open.substack.com/pub/monicatr...