Missouri's Amtrak system travels through Jefferson City every day to St. Louis and Kansas City. The name of the trains, however, don't travel throughout the state as often.

"Having a true name that went through a contest that actually had the people of Missouri suggest names and vote on them is something that the people of Missouri can call their own," says MODOT Administrator of Railroads Rod Massman.

MODOT and Amtrak hope the name change will entice more passengers to choose the railways over the highways.

The Jefferson City Amtrak Volunteer Coordinator Judy Towson thinks trains are a nice alternative to car rides. "It's a nice way to just relax for a couple of hours, read, take a nap," she says.

And in this current time of economic strain, a train ride could prove less expensive and more convenient than driving a car.

"Most people want more options, and the train is one more modal option that people have in addition to cars, planes, whatever," says Massman.

8,300 train names were entered into the contest. A committee narrowed that number down to 5 finalist. Almost 5,500 votes later, a winner was announced...

Missouri River Runner.

The creator of the winning name, Keith Kohler, credited his idea for the name to what he sees out the window on his many train rides across the state along the Missouri River from St. Louis to Kansas City. "I've always been impressed with how beautiful the Missouri River is along that route. There is just spectacular scenery out the window," explains Kohler.

Amtrak and MODOT hope the new name of the trains will attract more passengers to get a chance at that scenery.