LAFAYETTE — The uphill battle to retain daily rail service to Chicago just got a little steeper.
President Trump’s 2018 budget proposal eliminates funding for Amtrak’s long-distance Cardinal train, which stops in Indianapolis, Crawfordsville and Lafayette three days per week.
If Congress approves that budget cut, rail service to Chicago would be limited to the four days per week Amtrak’s Hoosier State train makes the trip.
While Amtrak says ridership and revenue on the Hoosier State are up, it's unclear if communities along the line would pony up the cash needed to maintain seven-day service if the Cardinal goes away.
"Frankly, the Hoosier State has to continue to grow ridership to be in a position to request additional funding," said Arvid Olson, transportation chair of the Quality of Life Council of Greater Lafayette Commerce. "Support is growing where it matters, but at a modest pace."
The budget setback is the latest twist in a seemingly endless saga to keep trains on track between Indianapolis and Chicago.
Back to the well
Four years ago, it was the Hoosier State’s fate that was in jeopardy after Congress shifted some of the financial burden on Amtrak’s shorter routes.
The train was saved when Lafayette, West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Crawfordsville and Rensselaer worked with INDOT to fund the service.