A naming contest is underway for Amtrak’s passenger trains in Missouri. It’s just as well. “Missouri Mule” and “Ann Rutledge” weren’t all that catchy.

The contest is open to anyone who wants to suggest and then choose the best brand name for Amtrak service between St. Louis and Kansas City. If you think of a good name, submit it between now and Dec. 10. Judges will pick the best five entries. Online voting will begin Dec. 16 and end Jan. 16, or people can vote by post card. 

Anyone can enter, but only Missouri residents are eligible for a prize. The five finalists will receive two round-trip coach tickets to any Amtrak destination in Missouri and a gift basket from one of five participating cities along the line. The grand-prize winner will get two round-trip sleeping car tickets to any Amtrak destination in the U.S.

To enter online, click here, or mail the entry to MoDOT, Name the Train Contest, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, Mo.  65102. Contest rules can be found at the morail.org site.

And feel free to post your name ideas.