TARP - Tennessee Association of Railroad Passengers

10/20/2025

This year marks 125 years since the opening of Nashville Union Station! Today it's one of Music City's finest hotels, but it would be even nicer if we could arrive there on the train. The last passenger train to serve here was Amtrak's Floridian in 1979.

04/25/2025

Amtrak's planned new route on the Gulf Coast has a name - Mardi Gras Service. Soon we will have a schedule and a start-up date. Our neighbors to the south should be very proud when the trains start rolling! Here is the link to the press release:

NEW ORLEANS and MOBILE, Ala. – Agreements have been reached for new twice-daily Amtrak intercity train service along the Mississippi Gulf Coast between

06/02/2024

At last we have a much-improved station platform in upper West Tennessee! Here is the official press release from Amtrak:

Federal investment improves Newbern-Dyersburg platform NEWBERN, Tenn. – Amtrak customers can enjoy a more accessible and comfortable experience at the

03/20/2024

Upper West Tennessee has better access to the national rail passenger system! The project to improve lighting and accessibility at Newbern (Dyersburg) is nearing completion!

02/26/2024

TARP is pleased to note that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released details on an extensive study to restore former long-distance Amtrak routes and develop new routes. Tennessee and other states with growing population would benefit from the fruits of this study (if the fruit produced is the real implementation of passenger rail service!).

Indeed this is a move in the right direction. This study sees the value in passenger rail routes that connect different corridors, several states, and a multitude of city pairs. Connections to other rail routes and to bus and transit service could transform these routes into true mobility mechanisms.

We encourage you to read and reflect on the study. Give us your thoughts and feedback as well. And keep the conversation going with your elected representatives.

Federal Railroad Administration Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is conducting an Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study to evaluate the restoration of daily long-distance intercity rail passenger service and the potential for new Amtrak long-dista...

11/15/2023

The Tennessee Association of Railroad Passengers will gather on Saturday, November 18, 2023,10:30 a.m. at the Cookeville Depot Museum, Cookeville, Tennessee.

The purpose of this meeting is to reorganize TARP with a new set of by-laws and a newly elected group of officers and directors.

Tennessee is growing and ideas for passenger rail are advancing. Therefore, TARP needs to grow and advance as well.

Going forward, we need a passenger rail advocacy group that interfaces more with the State Legislature and that does more grassroots outreach in the various parts of our beautiful state.

There is no cost to meet at Cookeville Depot Museum, so we will encourage those in attendance to simply make a donation to the museum directly.

Cookeville Depot Museum is located at 116 W. Broad St, Cookeville, TN 38501.

07/31/2023

The Tennessee Association of Railroad Passengers will gather on Saturday, November 18, 2023,10:30 a.m. at the Cookeville Depot Museum, Cookeville, Tennessee.

The purpose of this meeting is to reorganize TARP with a new set of by-laws and a newly elected group of officers and directors.

Tennessee is growing and ideas for passenger rail are advancing. Therefore, TARP needs to grow and advance as well.

Going forward, we need a passenger rail advocacy group that interfaces more with the State Legislature and that does more grassroots outreach in the various parts of our beautiful state.

Closer to time we will make an announcement about meals, snacks, presentations, and other details.

For now, please mark your calendar and make plans to join us.

Cookeville Depot Museum is located at 116 W. Broad St, Cookeville, TN 38501.

04/25/2023

https://www.chattanoogan.com/2023/4/21/467862/2-Local-Passenger-Train-Enthusiasts.aspx

What started at a 40-year-old poker night between two passenger train enthusiasts has become a full commitment to bring Amtrak service to Chattanooga.

11/23/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100069388321675/posts/440020164987591/?mibextid=Nif5oz

The following statement was issued Tuesday jointly by Amtrak, Norfolk Souther , CSX and the Alabama State Port Authority:We have collectively reached an agreem

07/20/2022

Our Summer 2022 newsletter is ready to read! Click here:

Newbern Depot Days, daily service restoration TARP News Summer 2022 Tennessee Association of Railroad Passengers You have a place at the table! Festivals and other large events are coming back in a bi

03/10/2022

Take a moment to read a recent letter to the editor published by the Johnson City Press:

Lawmakers should get a bill under consideration in Nashville this week chugging along toward a high-speed passage.