Hoosier State Train to Chicago sees big ridership increases

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) – Statistics show big increases in ridership on the Hoosier State Train but officials say there are no concrete plans to add trains.

The nearly 200-mile route runs from Indianapolis to Chicago. It’s run by a public-private partnership of Amtrak, the state of Indiana and Iowa Pacific Holdings.

The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier reports Indiana Department of Transportation says there was a 46 percent increase in ridership this September compared to last September and a 22.3 percent increase this October compared to last October.

Rail line sales and marketing manager Heather Hice says one month revenue “was up 80 percent over last year.”

INDOT spokesman Will Wingfield says the agency sought guidance from railway consultants last month. He says they’ll assess and propose plans for future improvements to the line.