South Bend: City Announces $3.8 Million Federal Grant to Advance Passenger Rail Service at Union Station

~ The City of South Bend has received a significant grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to bring back intercity passenger rail service to the historic South Bend Union Station. The $3.848 million grant will fund 80 percent of the project's planning and development phase, which is estimated to cost $4.81 million.

Mayor James Mueller expressed his excitement about the grant, stating that it is a strong signal of the momentum and progress that South Bend has been making through years of investment and partnerships. He believes that bringing back passenger rail service to Union Station will not only reconnect the city to economic and recreational opportunities but also contribute to the transformation of its city center.

The project, titled "Activating Passenger Rail at South Bend Union Station," aims to relocate Amtrak service from its current station west of downtown to the City-owned Union Station. This will involve public engagement, environmental review, conceptual design, preliminary engineering, and coordination with Amtrak and host railroads. The completion of this phase will position the City to seek future funding for the construction of the relocated station.

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The planning efforts for this project will evaluate potential platform locations, track and signal improvements, accessible enhancements, station amenities, rail operations, and connections to local transportation services. The goal is to create stronger connections between intercity rail, local transit, and the growing number of destinations in South Bend's urban core.

The City purchased Union Station in 2024 for $2.432 million, removing a major barrier in restoring passenger rail service downtown. The Art Deco station was built in 1929 and served as a hub for rail passengers until 1971. It remains one of South Bend's most recognizable historic transportation assets.

Located downtown within walking distance of jobs, housing, entertainment venues, educational institutions, and major redevelopment projects, Union Station is an ideal location for passenger rail service. It is also conveniently located just one block from Transpo's South Street Station, where 15 public bus routes converge.

The City of South Bend is excited about the potential benefits that this project will bring to the community. With the support of the FRA grant, they are one step closer to making passenger rail service a reality at Union Station and creating stronger connections within the city.

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