MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The federal government just announced a new effort that could make a train from Memphis to Nashville, Chattanooga and even Atlanta happen.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded Tennessee a $500,000 grant that allows the volunteer state to join the Corridor Identification and Development program, or Corridor ID program, for the proposed passenger rail corridor linking Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis.
“I think people will enjoy the train," Congressman Steve Cohen said. "I think it’ll bring the two cities together and produce commerce in both cities. It’ll have folks coming from Nashville down to see the Grizzlies and from Memphis going up to see the hockey team and the Titans.”
The program from the FRA facilitates and guides the development of intercity train travel. Future rail passengers said they are excited about the possibilities.
“I think it’s convenient because you've got a lot of people on the west side of the state that want to get to the east side because you make more connections that way," Gerald Reynolds, a longtime Amtrak train rider, said.
Reynolds said he uses the train system frequently between the midsouth and Detroit, and this grant is a first step towards more affordable and convenient inter-state travel.
The grant allows officials to develop the scope, schedule and cost estimate for preparing and completing this project.
“It’s a low-cost type of transportation too," Cohen said. "So, it helps people [who] may be living on a budget. It’ll be important for jobs too. People could use it to get to Blue Oval."
The Greater Memphis Chamber said they "look forward to hearing more about the proposal" and seeing what the change could do for tourism.