Amtrak and the Illinois Department of Transportation is currently studying the feasibility of establishing passenger train service between Chicago and Peoria. The report was originally supposed to be released toward the end of last year, but there were a number of delays, sources tell Mayor Ardis. Ardis recently gave me a status update — Amtrak/IDOT has finished their visual inspection of the routes being studied, and they are crunching the numbers. The study should be completed by next month.
I’m all for it… Amtrak trips into Chicago are easy and provide you the convenience of not worrying about parking your car.
It’s surprising that Peoria has gone this long without good connections to Chicago.
My wife and I regularly visit her brother in Carlinville. We would gladly take the train if we didn’t have to go to BN and leave our car there to connect. I’m assuming this connection would allow us to do that?
Depends on the route, Vonster. The UP-BNSF route via Buda that I know is being considered won’t allow for Chicago connections, obviously, however, I do know Amtrak has looked at the old PRAIRIE MARKSMAN route, which if approved by all involved parties, selected and funded, would potentially allow for connections to St. Louis-bound trains at Chenoa.
“…wouldn’t allow for Chicago connections…”
Should be “…wouldn’t allow for St. Louis connections…”
I would be as happy as a clam if we could take the Amtrak from Peoria – Chicago. With Ray Lahood the Secretary of Transportation and Aaron Schock on the Transportation Committe you would think they could make this happen!
Ray LaHood put the big kabosh on it last time. So we all need to let him and others know we want Amtrak here.
I would love to have Amtrak from Peoria to Chicago. I don’t particularly fancy driving up on I55, there isn’t much too see. I’d rather sit and read a good book on the train.
ugh! An Amtrak train to Chicago would probably take 15 hours based on my past expereince with the train. I’d rather deal with traffic and parking than spend all day on an Amtrak if I don’t have to.
Ideally, one-way trip times for Chicago – Peoria Amtrak service would be under four hours, and probably closer to three.
DPJ
David, what is the chance that we will get rail service from Peoria to Chicago? Is the rail already in place, or is that something that would need to be built?
Diane,
There are several potential routes with track already in place. All involve multiple railroad owners and/or operators, and would require $$$$ for upgrades necessary to handle passenger trains safely and efficiently. All depends on public support.