FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ATK-10-146

November 12, 2010 Amtrak Contact: Marc Magliari

312 880.5390
Illinois DOT Contact: Josh Kauffman
217 558.0517

ANNUAL RIDERSHIP ON ILLINOIS AMTRAK ROUTES

NEARS TWO MILLION PASSENGERS
Chicago to St. Louis Corridor Gains Largest Ridership
CHICAGO – Amtrak announced today another new record for Amtrak passenger train
ridership in Illinois. Fiscal year-end figures released show healthy increases throughout the
nation and particularly in the Midwest. Among Illinois routes, the Chicago to St. Louis corridor
registered the largest ridership increase and all other state trains saw improved ridership. The
Chicago to St. Louis corridor is Illinois’ high-speed rail signature route.
“We are encouraged to see more travelers and thank them for choosing Amtrak as their
mode of transportation,” said Amtrak Board Chairman Tom Carper of Macomb. “We believe
these figures reinforce the concept that frequent, reliable trains with highway-competitive travel
times can attract a significant ridership base. We will continue to strive to give travelers the best
service possible with fast, convenient and reliable service.”
Total Amtrak ridership on routes operated with Illinois Department of Transportation
(Illinois DOT) partnership was 1,969,093 for the 12 months ending Sept. 30, 2010 -- an increase
of 130,418 passengers or a 7 percent gain from the previous year’s 1,838,675 riders.
“These record numbers provide us with a glimpse of what is possible with future high-
speed rail,” said Governor Pat Quinn. “Illinois will serve as the hub of a Midwest high-speed
rail network that will provide travelers with a reliable and efficient travel option while attracting
business that are demanding a 21st Century transportation system.”
For Amtrak fiscal year 2010, 642,413 passengers rode the Lincoln Service and other daily
Amtrak round-trips between Chicago and St. Louis, up 11 percent from the previous fiscal year.
Total Amtrak ridership on the Illini and Saluki route, which includes nine intermediate stations
and three daily round-trips between Chicago and Carbondale, rose to 304,255, an increase of 5
percent. The Illinois Zephyr and Carl Sandburg trains provide two daily round-trips and serve
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eight intermediate stations between Chicago and Quincy, with Amtrak ridership on the corridor
via Galesburg rising by 3 percent and totaling 239,365 over the period.
Under a partnership with Illinois and Wisconsin, Amtrak operates the Hiawatha Service
between Chicago and Milwaukee, with seven daily round-trips (six on Sundays) and three
intermediate stops. These trains saw 783,060 passengers, an additional 6 percent above the
previous year’s 738,231.
Midwestern routes achieved an average ridership growth of 55 percent over the period
from 2005 to 2010. The largest increases were seen on Illinois corridors, where additional
frequencies were offered to provide more departure choices, more travel opportunities and
greater customer convenience, as well as improvements in reliability.
Illinois has four of the top five Midwest corridors.
 Chicago-St. Louis: five-year ridership growth – 136 percent; average annual increase –
27 percent.
 Chicago-Carbondale: five-year ridership growth – 107 percent; average annual increase
– 21 percent.
 Chicago-Quincy: five-year ridership growth – 77 percent; average annual increase - 15
percent.
 Chicago-Milwaukee: five -year ridership growth – 49 percent; average annual increase –
10 percent.

In January 2010, Illinois DOT received $1.1 billion in federal funds for Chicago to St.
Louis corridor improvements. The improvements are now underway and will allow passenger
rail service from Chicago to St. Louis to operate at speeds up to 110 mph and include: new
locomotives and passenger cars, rebuilding of track, additional signaling devices at grade
crossings, and implementation of state-of-the-art signal technology.

About Amtrak

As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and
healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2010), the railroad carried more than 28.7 million
passengers, making it the best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46
states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300
trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph)—to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak
also is the partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several
commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more
information.
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About Illinois DOT

The Illinois Department of Transportation provides safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois
in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity, and demonstrate respect for
our environment. Illinois DOT provides leadership throughout Illinois for the improvement and
coordination of the state’s multi-faceted transportation system and serves as an advocate and
trusted adviser to local governments and other community agencies involved in providing
transportation access and services for all of Illinois. For more information, visit
http://www.dot.il.gov/.
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