Amtrak service could drop under Rauner’s proposed budget

Posted on March 2, 2015

Amtrak's Lincoln Service that passes through Uptown Station in Normal has increased 25 percent over the last five years. (Photo by Beth Whisman/WBC)

By Metro News Service

SPRINGFIELD – Amtrak Service across Illinois could be shrinking based on cuts in Gov. Bruce  Rauner's proposed budget.

The State Journal-Register reports Rauner suggests spending $28 million on Amtrak's state routes, which would be a 40-percent cut from the current fiscal year. Around 85 percent of Amtrak costs are covered by the state with the rest being funded by ticket sales.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari says the company doesn't believe the recommended funding would allow for the current level of service.

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