The Varsity

While Madison is currently out of the loop in the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, we did see some brief passenger service this year. Pullman Rail Journeys operated two trips between Chicago and Madison for Badger/Northwestern football games this October.

Dubbed The Varsity, the train is named for an old Milwaukee Road commuter line that served the same route decades ago, as superbly photographed by William D. Middleton.

While The Varsity is just an occasional excursion service, these trips help to promote rail as a transit option. They prove it can be a fun and relaxing journey between Chicago and Madison free from tolls and gridlock, giving us the glimpse of how a comprehensive mass commuter service can benefit both cities.