Tri-City Sun

State Representative Brian BeGole has been appointed to the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission by House Speaker Matt Hall. The commission, established in 2000, is an eight-state panel that aims to promote and support regional improvements in passenger rail service. Member states include Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. BeGole will serve on the commission until December 31, 2026.

“I want to thank Speaker Hall for this important appointment, and I look forward to serving in this role in addition to representing people in Shiawassee, Saginaw and Genesee counties,” BeGole stated. He emphasized the benefits of passenger rail as "an energy-efficient and environmentally sound way for people to travel," adding that it supports communities and jobs while boosting tourism.

The use of passenger rail has increased recently across the region. Between 2023 and 2024, ridership on long-distance routes serving the Midwest rose by 10 percent. These routes have 80 station stops throughout the Midwest, many located in or near rural areas where other transportation options are limited.

BeGole is currently serving his second term in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 71st District. This district includes several communities within Shiawassee County as well as parts of Saginaw and Genesee counties.