Amtrak Privatization Talks To Be Considered

amtrak_logoNearly half of all state funding has been cut for a company, following proposals by Governor Bruce Rauner which have called for reductions in expenditures.
Amtrak will see around $26 Million dollars this year in funds if legislation passes. That’s according to State Senator John Sullivan, who says “Amtrak is vital to the success of the region.”

The Macomb Democrat says it could be time to take a look at re-organizing the company’s funding structure by either privatizing, or indulging in a combination of state and customer dollars.

Republican State Representative Don Moffitt second’s the consideration to re-structure. Moffitt says it’s time look at increasing ridership and increasing competitiveness.

“The closer we come to filling those trains up, the closer it comes to paying for itself,” says Moffitt. ” We do need to study the fares I think. If I buy my ticket in advance, I think one way to Chicago is around $18 if you buy it in advance–$36 or $38 something like that round trip. You can’t park your car downtown Chicago for the price of a round trip ticket. You can’t pay the gas in your car for the round trip compared to the ticket.”

About half of Amtrak funds come from ridership fees. Moffitt and Sullivan both discussed drawing from the state highway fund as well. Moffitt says every car you keep off of the highway is a benefit.

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