MADISON, Wis. -- The City of Madison released its final Passenger Rail Station Study earlier this week, naming two potential sites that meet Amtrak’s requirements and the city’s long-term transportation goals.

Officials say the preferred site, located along the Monona Lakefront, could eventually serve as a Midwest travel hub linking Madison to Milwaukee, Chicago and the Twin Cities.

Madison has not had a passenger rail service since 1971. A previous effort was cancelled in 2010 when former Governor Scott Walker rejected federal funding for a proposed station.

City leaders say there is a demand for an Amtrak station in Madison. Amtrak reported 34.5 million trips in fiscal year 2025, a 5% increase from the year before, and a record high, along with $2.7 billion in revenue.

“There’s

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