Minn. HSR alliance touts

More than 300 supporters, elected officials, and business leaders reportedly gathered at the Rochester (Minn.) Art Center with the Southeast Minnesota Rail Alliance (Alliance) Tuesday evening, unveiling “Zip Rail, ” a branding effort for high speed rail development linking Rochester, Minn., and the Twin Cities. The Zip Rail brand will be used by the Alliance, formed in 2008, and advocates throughout the region to continue building momentum and support for the 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 Alliance also has launched a Zip Rail website at goziprail.org, which 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 Alliance says it is working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to develop Zip Rail as a true HSR route during set travel schedules aimed at peak travel times.