Amtrak's Hoosier State, linking Indianapolis and Chicago, will run at least through April 30, 2015, one month later than a previously announced termination date.
The change comes as Indiana's Department of Transportation renewed calls for competitive bids from companies willing to assume operating responsibilities for the train.
Indiana DOT announced the adjustment Friday, March 13, 201, following discussions with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Indiana DOT officials and one Indiana state representative suggested FRA was willing to revisit the issue in hopes of a solution.
Such a solution eluded Indiana officials throughout 2014 as the state sought a public-private partnership (3P) to replace Amtrak. But on March 6, Indiana DOT said the Hoosier State would be discontinued after FRA, in a move surprising many and drawing criticism, ruled the state of Indiana in essence would be a railroad carrier under any 3P plan, despite the state's not owning any rolling stock or right-of-way.
"Everybody is still participating in good faith," Truitt said of the 3P effort being negotiated among Indiana DOT, Amtrak, and Chicago-based Iowa Pacific Holdings Inc. Under this proposal, Amtrak would serve as the primary operator, working with host railroads, providing train and engine crews, and managing reservation and ticketing. Iowa Pacific would provide the train equipment, train maintenance, on-board services, and marketing.
Should the Hoosier State be discontinued, rail service between Indianapolis, the state capital, and Chicago would be reduced to a thrice-weekly service each way, protected by Amtrak's long-distance Cardinal.