FREQUENCY, RELIABILITY, CONNECTIVITY.

The additional frequencies on Illinois corridor trains, combined with ever-more-aggravating driving conditions, lead to increases in ridership.

Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider says ridership is up and high speed rail will be a hit with passengers. At remarks yesterday at the City Club of Chicago, Schneider said state-supported Chicago-St. Louis Amtrak service has seen an increase in ridership of 210 percent over the last five years, WJBC Radio reported. “And that is on old, outdated equipment with spotty reliability and few rider amenities. When the Chicago-to-St. Louis route is complete, the trains will become more reliable, more convenient, and with the new equipment, there will be added amenities leading to enhanced passenger experiences,” she said.

The department is working with Amtrak and Union Pacific to begin 110-mph service on 18 miles of the Chicago-St. Louis route between Pontiac and Dwight, Ill., by the end of this year. Higher speed service will be extended to other portions of the 285-mile route, as track is upgraded and new signals installed. Schneider said she expects the higher speed service to be a hit with passengers.

Schneider said ridership on Amtrak routes supported by the state of Illinois is up 85 percent over the last five years. She expects demand to grow with the start of high speed service and the rising price of gasoline.

Much of that increased ridership probably reflects additional frequencies, with Carbondale and Quincy getting double-daily service, and St. Louis getting an additional train on a business-friendly schedule.  Faster running will attract additional passengers.  Is it too much, though, to ask for tavern-lounge cars or proper first class accommodation in what Amtrak calls Business Class?