Amtrak Unveils Plan For Expanded Service In Indiana

Amtrak wants to re-establish service between Louisville and Indianapolis, a route it used to service until 2003.  The route would include stops in Jeffersonville and Columbus.

It also wants to add four-day-a-week service between Cincinnati and Chicago, with a stop in Indianapolis.  Plans include a new stop at the Indianapolis International Airport.

Amtrak used to run seven-day-a-week service between Indianapolis and Chicago, but it was discontinued in 2019 after Indiana declined to fund its portion of the line.  That left central Indiana with only three-days-a-week service to Chicago on the Cardinal line.

Amtrak officials note the new route proposals are subject to change.

“The 2035 plan that’s under Amtrak connects us, envisions this taking almost 15 years or more, but it really depends on what the local engagement is from the state DOTS,” said Amtrak Midwest Spokesperson Marc Magliari.

Amtrak can still expand its service in certain areas even if President Biden’s infrastructure bill doesn’t pass if it gets enough help from individual states or public-private rail commissions.

Read: Indiana Passenger Rail Advocates Remain Hopeful For Future Expansion

“For example, we’re working hard along the Gulf Coast with the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, with something called the Southern Rail Commission gubernatorial he appointed from all three states, and we are getting pretty close to starting service,” said Magliari.

President Biden pledged $66 billion for intercity rail travel under the bill which still needs approval in the House.