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Amtrak Funding Could Affect Service

AMTRAK

Gov. Bruce Rauner's proposed state budget would cut 40% from Illinois' funding for Amtrak trains during a time when ridership has been climbing.

The State Journal-Register reports passenger numbers and ticket revenues have grown during the past five years. The Lincoln Service train between St. Louis and Chicago, for example, saw more than 633,000 passengers during the most recent federal fiscal year.

That's a 25% increase from five years earlier.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari says the rail system doesn't believe Rauner's budgeted $26 million for Amtrak is enough to "maintain the current level of service.''

Frequency of passenger trains will depend on the final funding approved by the Legislature. The state pays 85% of Amtrak costs in Illinois, with ticket revenues paying 15%.
 

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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