Indiana Passenger Rail Alliance (IPRA): Modern 21st Century Passenger Rail
About
The Organization
Incorporated in 1994 as an Indiana not for profit corporation, the Indiana Passenger Rail Alliance is a grassroots, volunteer citizen organization dedicated to making available to both the general public and state and local governments, information about the issues and benefits of the development of modern, 21st Century, passenger rail systems in the state of Indiana. This includes, but is not limited to, the connection of Indiana communities with the national transportation system by passenger rail.
The Mission
With the support of citizens, the business community and political leaders, the Indiana Passenger Rail Alliance seeks to facilitate the development of a modern, 21st Century, passenger rail network across the state and the Midwest. The system would be consistent with sustainable environmental and energy policy, sound fiscal policy and forward looking transportation policy.
Modern, 21st Century, passenger rail provides the critical backbone for a modern multimodal transportation system including rail, surface and air components. IPRA believes that the time has come for Indiana to take a leadership role in planning, designing, building and operating a transportation system suitable for the world of the 21st Century.
The Goals
- The improvement and expansion of the Hoosier State corridor, with extensions to Cincinnati and Louisville.
- The implementation of the Chicago to Fort Wayne corridor, extending to Columbus, Ohio.
- The implementation and improvement of commuter rail systems in various parts of the state.
- The reintroduction of passenger rail to Southern Indiana.
The History
In 2014, the Indiana High Speed Rail Association (IHSRA) changed its name to the Indiana Passenger Rail Alliance (IPRA) to better reflect the opportunities and environment of the early 21st Century.
Prior to IPRA, Indiana was home to the Indiana Association of Railroad Passengers (INDARP), which existed from 1991 through 1997. INDARP was loosely associated with the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP). Archived INDARP newsletters may be found by clicking HERE.