The state of rail travel across Illinois
Passengers board Amtrak’s Train 41 at Union Station in Chicago's West Loop. Pat Nabong/Chicago Sun-Times
Historically, Illinois has always been known for being a central hub for rail traffic, both passenger and freight. Passenger rail is not as dominant as it was a few generations ago, but it is experiencing something of a comeback.
According to the DePaul University's Chaddick Institute of Metropolitan Development, the Chicago-hub Amtrak service is outperforming many other U.S. regions in ridership growth.
Meanwhile, there are many projects underway to bring or improve passenger rail service across downstate communities, such as Carbondale, the Quad Cities, Peoria and Rockford. Some of those projects are making more progress than others. A journalist who covers transportation in Illinois joins the program.
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Bob Johnston
Correspondent, Trains Magazine
