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On October 17, 18, and 19, Amtrak and the State of Illinois operated special trains along each of their state-supported routes to celebrate new service frequencies. Two additional trains will run from Chicago to St. Louis and one additional train each to Quincy and Carbondale. NARP Assistant Director David Johnson was along for the ride. Enjoy his pictures!
The Southern Illinois University Marching Salukis play at the Carbondale station prior to train departure
(l. to r.) Alex Kummant (Amtrak President and CEO), David Phelps (IDOT Assistant Secretary), Glen Poshard (President, Southern Illinois University), Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL), Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole, and Mary Maclin (Carbondale Chamber of Commerce) address the media and supporters.
A large crowd greeted the train at Mattoon. This classic Illinois Central station has recently received funding for a full renovation, including restoration of the passenger elevator.
Amtrak CEO Alex Kummant (r., wearing badge) meets Charles White, the Mayor of Mattoon.
Kummant speaks to supports from the back platform of Amtrak Business Car 10001 at Champaign-Urbana. Many of those on the special trip detrained at Champaign-Urbana for a town hall meeting with Kummant and United States Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Two real, live salukis greeted “their” train at Homewood
The town of Homewood pulled out all the stops; in addition to the dogs, they had a cake made for the occasion and Aurelios Pizza donated eight pies for those on board the train to eat. (and boy were they good!!!)
Wednesday was the St. Louis trip. Pictured here is our stop at Bloomington-Normal.
The Mayor of Normal addresses the crowd.
Perhaps the neatest stop on the tour was our brief pause in Lincoln, IL. Honest Abe himself came out to cut a ceremonial ribbon for “his” train. Joining Abe in dedicating the train are (l. to r.) Timothy Davlin (Mayor, Springfield), Elizabeth Davis (Mayor of Lincoln), Ray Lang (Amtrak Government Affairs), and other local officials.
On to Springfield. The Springfield Community Band greeted the special train at the State Capitol city.
Illinois DOT Secretary Timothy Martin addresses the crowd from the 10001 car.
Alton had an enthousiastic greeting for the train, complete with banner. The LED signs at many Illinois Amtrak stations (visible in upper right) were advertising the new service.
Progress in St. Louis! While there was no formal event in the city, we did proceed into the station for fueling and to turn the train. You can see solid evidence of construction for the new intermodal transportation center.
Thursday was the final trip, to Quincy. Large crowds greeted us at most of the stations along the way. This group was at Plano.
Schoolchildren met the train and released balloons at Mendota
Kewanee declaired October 19 “Amtrak Day” and had a big turnout from the community.
Macomb pulled out all the stops as well.
Local schoolchildren in Macomb colored pictures of the new train.
Qunicy was the end of the line and again we were greeted by a large crowd.
The Notre Dame High School Marching Band played.
Rick Harnish, Executive Director of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and the United Transportation Union played a major role in making the new service happen.
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