Want to leave a mark on the world? Name an Amtrak train

Yes, that’s right, in the near future you lucky Gadling readers can begin riding the “David Breisch Express.” What, not catchy enough for you? Oh, fine, I’ll think of something else. In the meantime, you too can have a chance at naming Amtrak’s Kansas City – St. Louis service. The line, consisting of two daily round-trips, currently is celebrating 30 years of continuous service. The two existing trains are named the Ann Rutledge (who?) and the Kansas City Mule. Now, I’m pretty familiar with Amtrak’s national rail system, and I’ve always thought that the Missouri services needed new names. Why on earth would you name a transportation method that’s supposed to evoke speed a Mule? Okay, actually, I take that back. I think the Mule is named after something, but since neither I nor Wikipedia can come up with the answer, my complaint stands.

Anyway, if you’re interested in entering the contest, check out the Missouri Department of Transportation website and submit your ideas by December 10. Judges will select the five finalists, and then the public will be able to vote on the best brand name between December 16 and January 16. The rebranding effort comes at a time of revitalization on the line, with a brand-new St. Louis terminal and renovations at a couple of other stations. So what are you waiting for? Get voting!