Laura Kestner Ricketts, Executive Director of Career and Professional Development shared a petition created by the Chamber of Commerce. It asks the Illinois DOT to request intervention by the Surface Transportation Board.
Kestner Ricketts says this train would be important to Augustana because a large number of students come from the Chicago-land area, and it would increase work opportunites.
"Lack of transportation can certainly be a barrier for many people. So when you put it in the context of removing a barrier for students, what this allows students to do is engage in internships and jobs."
Kestner Ricketts says a passenger rail route to Chicago will benefit students, employers, and the Quad Cities economy.
"Access and transportation is integral to a thriving community. Some people may say, 'well, there's plenty of opportunies here for our students.' I just want to be clear that this doesn't take away from those great opportunities, it just expands the options for our students."
The petition can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/QCRAILpetition