(The following editorial was posted on the Bloomington Pantagraph website on March 3.)
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Improved Amtrak service to Springfield from Chicago would be one way to encourage more state employees to use the train.
State Sens. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, and Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, are among co-sponsors of a bill that would provide $35 million to add trains along several Amtrak corridors in Illinois, including Chicago to St. Louis. Amtrak formerly operated a fourth daily train between Chicago and Springfield. That run was dropped about 10 years ago.
The House is considering an $18 million proposal, covering fewer routes. Either would be a big jump over the current subsidy of $12.1 million.
The Senate legislation requires that at least one southbound train arrive in Springfield before 10 a.m. Currently, the first southbound train arrives at 11:35 a.m., the others at 6:49 p.m. and 8:39 p.m.
Increased service between Chicago and St. Louis would benefit Twin City, Dwight, Pontiac and Lincoln residents who use the train for business or pleasure. These users include college students traveling between home and campus. An improved schedule also would mesh well with Normal’s planned transportation center.
But before sinking millions in state dollars into these or any route, the state should provide evidence that increased service will increase ridership, not just shuffle existing riders.