Hoosier State Progressing ‘Swimmingly’
The partnership among the Indiana Department of Transportation
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIt has been eight months since Chicago-based Iowa Pacific Holdings took over as operator of the Hoosier State train and an executive with the rail line says the partnership is moving along "swimmingly." New numbers released by the state suggest ticket revenue has risen 20 percent and 90 percent of riders in recent months report being very satisfied with the service. The passenger train runs four days a week and is funded through a unique partnership that includes the state and the communities along the Indianapolis to Chicago route. In an interview on Inside INdiana Business Television, Hoosier State Sales and Marketing Manager Heather Hice said on-board amenities have taken a step up.
The line was in jeopardy of being scratched altogether after federal funding ran out in 2013. Several attempts, including a failed plan by Chicago-based Corridor Capital LLC to take it over last year, didn’t materialize until mid-2015 when the state, Iowa Pacific and Amtrak reached an agreement. Amtrak operates the cars and provides train and engine crews, works with host railroads, and manages tickets and reservations. Iowa Pacific provides train equipment, maintenance and marketing services and on-board amenities.
Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Eric Holcomb and other officials were in Lafayette to showcase the passenger service, which the state says has become one of the one of the Amtrak system’s highest-rated. "The renewed Hoosier State is an asset for tourism and transportation," said Holcomb. "Since state and local leaders added Wi-Fi, food service and refurbished heritage train cars nearly a year ago, customer-satisfaction scores, ticket revenue and on-time performance have all improved."
The train includes coach and a new business class.