Amtrak Service in Illinois Faces Delays and Calls for Action

Amtrak is under pressure from Senator Dick Durbin to restore full service in Illinois after maintenance disruptions replaced trains with buses, adding delays and frustrating passengers across key routes. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak Disruptions Affect Illinois Travelers

Senator Dick Durbin urged Amtrak to restore normal operations after service cuts on Illinois routes forced passengers to take buses. He criticized the company for failing to give residents enough notice.

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Amtrak’s schedule shows the evening train from Quincy to Chicago will be replaced by a bus until Wednesday, adding over an hour to travel time. Durbin blamed the change on long-planned maintenance.

He argued that Amtrak had time to inform travelers but did not. Replacement buses help keep service moving, but they lengthen trips, especially between Quincy and Chicago, where travel options are limited.

Amtrak Urged to Work With Illinois Transportation Officials

Durbin called on Amtrak to work closely with the Illinois Department of Transportation to minimize future disruptions. He urged the use of replacement locomotives to maintain train schedules during repairs.

He stressed that Illinoisans rely heavily on consistent service and that even small schedule changes can create larger problems for those connecting to other services in Chicago.

Travelers departing from Quincy before Wednesday should note the substitute bus leaves at 4:30 p.m., one hour earlier than the train’s typical 5:30 p.m. departure.

Amtrak has yet to respond publicly to Durbin’s letter. Maintenance work continues on several Illinois routes, and passengers are advised to check Amtrak’s official website for real-time updates.

Source: www.wgem.com

FAQ

What is Amtrak doing to address service delays in Illinois?

Amtrak is running replacement bus services during maintenance and says it will provide updates on its website.

How long will Amtrak buses replace trains on the Quincy to Chicago route?

According to the current schedule, buses will operate until Wednesday, leaving Quincy at 4:30 p.m., one hour earlier than the train.

Can passengers get refunds if Amtrak service changes?

Yes, Amtrak generally allows refunds or rebooking when schedules change. Passengers should review Amtrak’s refund policy for details.

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