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This expansion is part of a plan to more than double state-sponsored
passenger rail service. Round trips between Chicago and downstate
will increase from three daily to seven daily by the end of October.
"Amtrak is an affordable travel option, and in many communities it's
the only form of public transportation," Blagojevich said. "People
want and use Amtrak; that's why we doubled our commitment to
ensuring we have regular passenger rail service. During the past
several years we've continued to see an increase in the people
riding the Illinois state-sponsored trains."
Starting Oct. 30, daily state-sponsored train service between
Chicago and Quincy is being doubled to two round trips.
Under this schedule, there will be new morning and evening
departures from Chicago and Quincy. Combined with the other trains
on the Quincy route that are part of the national Amtrak network,
there will be four daily round trips on the Chicago-Galesburg
segment, two of them state-supported.
This spring, Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly
increased state funding for passenger rail service by Amtrak from
$12.1 million to $24 million.
"We are proud that ridership on state-supported Amtrak trains in
Illinois is now nearly a million passengers and growing," said Alex
Kummant, Amtrak president and chief executive officer. "We deeply
appreciate the leadership of Governor Blagojevich and the state
legislature in continuing the strong partnership with Amtrak to
provide more frequent service for the people of Illinois."
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 The additional run on the Quincy route will be known as the Carl
Sandburg, and both it and the current Illinois Zephyr will carry new
train numbers.
Reservations and tickets for the Carl Sandburg (Trains 381 and
382) and Illinois Zephyr (Trains 380 and 383) are now available
nationwide through Amtrak.com,
by calling 800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245), using Quik-Trak automated
ticket machines, visiting a staffed Amtrak station or through select
travel agents.
These state-supported trains will operate as reserved service,
with the lowest fares ordinarily available with the most advance
purchase, and offer food and beverages in the cafe car. Ten-ride
tickets will also be available, as will business class in a
two-seat, aisle, one-seat configuration, with leg rests, footrests
and other amenities for a slight surcharge.
Blagojevich recently announced the new schedules, train numbers and
ticket availability for the state-sponsored Chicago-Carbondale
trains, the new Saluki (Trains 390 and 391) and the current Illini
(Trains 392 and 393). Starting Oct. 30, daily train service between
Chicago and Carbondale is increasing from two round trips to three
round trips, two of them state-supported.
[See Chicago-Quincy schedules below.]
[News release from the governor's
office]
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