CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Railroad and government officials are celebrating Amtrak's first paying-passenger high-speed rail trips from Chicago to St. Louis and they hope the service will grow.
Amtrak executives say their Chicago to St. Louis service has gotten a makeover. For the first time, paying passengers will travel at speeds up to 110 miles per hour-shaving about half an hour off the total trip.
“By upgrading to higher-speed service on Illinois’ largest passenger rail line, we are solidifying our status as the transportation hub of North America," said Governor JB Pritzker.
"Investments like these do more than just connect cities – they allow our residents to access opportunities beyond their immediate neighborhoods, streamline regional collaborations, and open doors for new jobs and new businesses.”
Amtrak Vice-President Ray Lang said he's been with the company for 29 years and has been working on this project since the day he started.
"It's a very emotional day for me and it's wonderful to see it come into reality."
Jennifer Mitchell, Deputy Administrator for the Federal Railroad Administration said this new service can help give the region a boost.
"The corridor provides much needed passenger rail service to over 13 million people. Achieving 110 miles per hour will get riders where they need to be faster and provide an alternative to congested highways. New rolling stock will be provided which will add comfort and conveniences."
Related
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram