INDOT Announces Hoosier State Line Proposals
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Department of Transportation says four companies have submitted proposals to improve the Hoosier State passenger rail line. Federal funding for the service between Indianapolis and Chicago ran out last year and several communities have since stepped in to help keep it going. May 5, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation and its local community partners announce receipt of four proposals to improve the Hoosier State passenger rail service between Indianapolis and Chicago. Proposals were submitted by (1) Corridor Capital LLC, (2) Herzog Transit Services Inc. and Passenger Transportation Specialists Inc., (3) Iowa Pacific Holdings Inc. and (4) Railmark Holdings Inc.
The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act ended federal support for certain Amtrak routes of less than 750 miles. In October, Governor Mike Pence announced an agreement to keep the Hoosier State operating four days each week in partnership with Indianapolis, Crawfordsville, Rensselaer, Lafayette, West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County and Beech Grove. The Act allows states to contract with independent providers or Amtrak to operate the trains that they now help subsidize.
“It is exciting and interesting to receive four proposals that look at the Hoosier State passenger rail service in different ways,” said INDOT chief of staff Troy Woodruff. “This private sector interest opens the door for other states and regions that are supporting passenger rail service.”
INDOT and the communities seek to improve the Hoosier State passenger experience, increase the number of passengers on the train and decrease train operating costs by opening the operation of the train to competition from private operators in addition to Amtrak. It is anticipated that the selected proposal will be announced this summer.
No disruption in service is anticipated as a result of the competing proposals. To purchase tickets to ride the Hoosier State, call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or visit www.amtrak.com/cardinal-hoosier-state-train. To learn about how tax dollars support the Hoosier State passenger rail service, visit www.in.gov/indot/3200.htm.
Source: The Indiana Department of Transportation