MADISON, Wis. -- There's been talk of two possible locations for Madison high-speed rail stations, and yet another option is emerging.

Some downtown Madison property owners are saying the train should come all the way into the city to reach the most people.

At issue is where to pick up and drop off the passengers who travel in and out of Madison on a newly funded high-speed rail line. In January, Gov. Jim Doyle announced that $810 million in federal money has been allocated to create a Chicago-Milwaukee-Madison high-speed passenger rail line.

The debate over a train station involves a lot of factors, including how to reach riders, connecting with other transit and even economic development.

Downtown Madison is home to miles of rail line, and some, like downtown property owner Marty Rifken, said the train should come into the downtown.

"It's our feeling that we think the trains should be coming to a place where the population is located, and that is downtown," said Rifken.

Rifken owns the Gateway Property at Williamson and Blair streets, and he has commissioned plans for two stations -- one at his property and the other off West Washington Avenue near the Kohl Center.

"How close it comes to the downtown is really a decision that has to be studied," said Rifken. "It's our position right now that high-speed rail certainly could make it to the Gateway, and very possibly make it to the Kohl station as well and still move out just as conveniently as commuter rail."

But if it came downtown, the train would have to reverse to get back to the main train line, which falls where the Yahara Station is proposed at First Street and East Washington Avenue.

"The main reason this location probably suits (the Wisconsin Department of Transportation) and Amtrak better is because the trains don't have to cross into the downtown and cross a lot more streets," said Yahara Station designer Barry Gore. "Then everybody would have to change their seats, the engineer would have to go to the other end and operate out of the other locomotive, reversing direction to go to St. Paul."

The mayor said that while a Yahara Station has its high points, more options are good for the city.

"I think it would be a healthy thing if we had four or five really good proposals, and then we can analyze them objectively, get public input, and reach a public consensus around the station that is best for the city," said Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.

A station at the Dane County Regional Airport has also been proposed.

The mayor said he believes the state will hire a consultant by early next month who will work with the city to analyze station options and help gather public opinion. He said because of the timeline, a station location will need to be chosen by the end of the year.