(The following report appeared at WJBC.com on November 24. To listen to or download the audio interview, visit the WJBC website).
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The new year could bring a new round of money for Amtrak service. US Senator Dick Durbin says the federal handout the Senate passed is worthwhile and he hopes the House follows suit. Durbin says even with some airlines offering discount fares, you should consider riding the rails. He says he flies frequently and there will always be a time when air travel is the right way to go.
Durbin admits reliability must improve for Amtrak to be more of an option for the nation’s travelers. The current Amtrak funding bill under consideration would increase federal subsidy from $1.2 to $1.9 billion annually for six years.