Zip Rail—the new name and brand for the high-speed passenger rail line between Rochester and the Twin Cities—was revealed at a Rochester program on Jan. 18 that brought together more than 300 supporters, elected officials and business leaders.
“Today’s unveiling of Zip Rail—Minnesota’s first opportunity for true high-speed passenger rail—shows this region’s commitment to this project,” said Commissioner Ken Brown of Olmsted County, which is a principal member of the Southeast Minnesota Rail Alliance along with the City of Rochester, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce and Mayo Clinic.
Read the entire press release below to learn more about the brand launch, train features, regional benefits and next steps.
SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA RAIL ALLIANCE UNVEILS “ZIP RAIL” BRAND
Brand launch marks milestone, begins next steps for making
Rochester to Twin Cities high-speed passenger rail line a reality
ROCHESTER, Minn. — More than 300 supporters, elected officials and business leaders joined the Southeast Minnesota Rail Alliance (Alliance) this evening to unveil “Zip Rail” — the name and brand for the high-speed passenger rail line between Rochester and the Twin Cities. The program and event at the Rochester Art Center highlights growing support for the proposed project.
“Today’s unveiling of Zip Rail — Minnesota’s first opportunity for true high-speed passenger rail — shows this region’s commitment to this project,” said Commissioner Ken Brown of Olmsted County, which is a principal member of the Alliance along with the City of Rochester, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce and Mayo Clinic. “Zip Rail promises a high return on investment because it will move people fast, safely and stress-free between Minnesota’s top population, job and medical centers.”
The Zip Rail brand will be used by the Alliance and advocates throughout the region to continue building momentum and support for the project. Since the Alliance formed in 2008, it has worked to elevate Rochester’s voice and interests in securing a high-speed passenger rail line. In that time, a Rochester to Twin Cities corridor has become a top priority for the state. The Alliance also unveiled a new Zip Rail web site today at goziprail.org. The web site includes information about the project, sign-up information, logo/branding, and animation of what the train could look like when the line is developed.
“To us, it is not a question of whether we’ll be able to take a train to zip up to the Twin Cities,” said Denny Hanson, Rochester City Council president. “It’s only a question of when travelers and visitors will be able to zip to and from Rochester. Zip Rail is an opportunity to foster economic growth and enhance our region’s quality of life as we plan for the future.”
The Zip Rail high-speed passenger rail line is proposed to begin in downtown Rochester, travel north through Dakota County and connect to the Twin Cities. Alliance members are working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to develop Zip Rail as a true high-speed passenger corridor during set travel schedules aimed at peak travel times. Passengers will benefit from amenities such as spacious seating, space for passengers to work, read or relax, and reliable and safe travel in any weather.
Zip Rail’s benefits will extend to employers and other interests, particularly in Rochester — the third-largest city in Minnesota and one of its fastest growing. Consider:
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Mayo Clinic adds $9.6 billion each year to the state’s economy.
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Rochester attracts 1.2 million visits each year from Minnesotans and visitors from across the globe.
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The region is home to promising biomedical and biotech development.
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A recent study by The Atlantic magazine projected that Rochester will be a national leader in job creation during the next decade.
“As Minnesota plans for the future with a focus on forward-looking opportunities, there is no question that Rochester must be part of a modern rail transportation system,” said John Wade, president of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. “We are also encouraged by the partnerships we’ve built outside of Rochester. Our Dakota County allies and the entire business community see the benefits of enhanced transportation infrastructure for our service-driven communities.”
Glenn Forbes, M.D., of Mayo Clinic agreed.
“Zip Rail is a critical part of our region’s future and is certainly something Mayo Clinic views as a valuable contributor to the future of our destination medical community,” Dr. Forbes said. “Zip Rail will not only help our patients, employees and visitors get where they need to go, it will ensure the vitality of the Rochester community and the region for decades to come.”
For more information about Zip Rail or the Alliance visit goziprail.org.
