Private Operator Responds to Amtrak
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe chief executive officer of an Illinois-based company on deck to operate the Hoosier State rail line between Indianapolis and Chicago says delays beyond Corridor Capital LLC's control led to the Indiana Department of Transportation asking Amtrak to continue the service through January 31. Jim Coston says the company could not move forward until the city of Indianapolis came back on board with its share of the route's funding. He says Amtrak added further delays by being “disengaged” in the procurement process. Coston refutes comments made to Inside INdiana Business by an Amtrak spokesman that Corridor Capital will not be prepared to operate the service.
He says the process was delayed by Amtrak on several occasions. You can hear Coston's response by clicking here.
Coston says Corridor Capital wants to eventually increase passenger capacity, speed, dependability and the number of trips throughout the day between the two hubs.
He believes the improvements will make the route a “primary choice” for travelers.
You can view details of Corridor Capital's long-term vision by clicking here.
On Wednesday, Amtrak, which has run the Hoosier State for more than 30 years, announced some upgrades to its rail cars during a four-month contract extension exercised by the state.
Corridor Capital plans to use a four-car locomotive with a business and cafe car, instead of the current two-car setup.
Source: Inside INdiana Business