The City of Washington's Highway Transportation Committee meeting on April 28, 2025, highlighted significant developments in Missouri's rail service, particularly regarding Amtrak. The committee discussed the Missouri Passenger Advisory Committee meeting held earlier in the month, where key updates on Amtrak's budget and service improvements were shared.

Amtrak is currently navigating a budget process that includes a proposed $1.72 million package aimed at introducing a third round trip service. This initiative is strategically timed to coincide with the upcoming World Cup, with St. Louis and Kansas City as host cities. The committee expressed cautious optimism about the budget's approval, which is currently under consideration in both the House and Senate.

Safety concerns were also addressed, as Amtrak reported the removal of 80 horizon cars from service due to rust issues. However, officials reassured that this would not significantly impact the River Runner service, although passengers might occasionally notice shorter trains.

In a positive note for local promotion, Central Missouri State University is engaging journalism students in a "backpack journalism" program, which will feature stories about towns along the River Runner route, including Washington. This initiative aims to enhance visibility and marketing for the train service.

Despite recent challenges, including weather-related delays and freight stalls that affected on-time performance, Amtrak reported a 9% increase in both ridership and revenue through February, indicating a potentially record-setting year ahead. The committee's discussions underscored the importance of rail connectivity and safety as vital components of regional transportation planning.