Durbin Urges Amtrak To Swiftly Resume Service Of Illinois Routes After Suspending Service Without Adequate Notice For Riders
Amtrak has scheduled maintenance along Illinois routes but failed to provide sufficient notice to regular Amtrak riders
CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today sent a letter to Roger Harris, President of Amtrak, to express his frustration at the suspension of Amtrak service along select Illinois routes. In his letter, Durbin called on Amtrak to resolve the suspensions as quickly as possible.
“I write to express my disappointment and concern with the recent handling of the suspension of several roundtrips of Illinois Amtrak service,” Durbin wrote.
As the train service is suspended, Amtrak has offered a bus route as a substitute for riders; however, on some routes, the bus service may add an hour to riders’ trips.
“It is my understanding that Amtrak was long aware of scheduled maintenance along Illinois routes, yet failed to provide sufficient notice to residents in recent weeks. I am concerned that Quincy now has reduced service, and that Illinois service interruptions may continue in the coming weeks, without proper notice for residents to adjust their travel plans. Although Amtrak has instated replacement bus service, this can add hours of additional travel time on a route such as Quincy to Chicago,”Durbin wrote.
Durbin concluded the letter by urging Amtrak to find an alternative to service suspension, including considering using replacement trains.
“I respectfully request that Amtrak work with the Illinois Department of Transportation to ensure there are as few interruptions as possible for all Illinois routes on which train cars require maintenance upgrades. I understand that timely maintenance is crucial, but Illinoisans who rely on Amtrak service need these suspensions to be resolved as quickly as possible through whatever means available, including replacement locomotives,” Durbin wrote.
A copy of the letter is available here and below:
August 8, 2025
Dear Mr. Harris:
I write to express my disappointment and concern with the recent handling of the suspension of several roundtrips of Illinois Amtrak service.
It is my understanding that Amtrak was long aware of scheduled maintenance along Illinois routes, yet failed to provide sufficient notice to residents in recent weeks. I am concerned that Quincy now has reduced service, and that Illinois service interruptions may continue in the coming weeks, without proper notice for residents to adjust their travel plans. Although Amtrak has instated replacement bus service, this can add hours of additional travel time on a route such as Quincy to Chicago.
I respectfully request that Amtrak work with the Illinois Department of Transportation to ensure there are as few interruptions as possible for all Illinois routes on which train cars require maintenance upgrades. I understand that timely maintenance is crucial, but Illinoisans who rely on Amtrak service need these suspensions to be resolved as quickly as possible through whatever means available, including replacement locomotives.
Thank you for your attention to this timely issue.
Sincerely,
-30-