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New Two-Year Deal to Keep Hoosier State Rail Line Running

By Brandon Smith, IPBS | Published on in Uncategorized

Indiana has a new contract in place securing the future of the Hoosier State Rail Line for the next two years. The deal between the state, Amtrak and Iowa Pacific begins Sunday after months of negotiation and uncertainty. Amtrak will operate the line running from Indianapolis to Chicago, while Iowa Pacific will be responsible for train equipment and maintenance. The line will feature free wi-fi and food service.

If ticket sales don’t cover all expenses, Indiana will pay Amtrak the difference. The Indiana Department of Transportation expects the state to pay nearly three hundred thousand dollars a month, with about 21 thousand coming from local communities along the line.

The state will receive 25 percent of Iowa Pacific’s profits. And if ticket revenue ever exceeds expenses, INDOT will receive the overage.