Indiana and California Among States Yet to Decide to Subsidize Amtrak Lines

Ron Nixon provides an update on the implementation of the Passenger Rail Investment & Improvement Act of 2008 that requires states to subsidize shorter Amtrak routes in order to reduce Amtrak's federal subsidy. 28 routes in 19 states are at stake.

2 minute read

May 6, 2013, 10:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


Described here previously in January (Amtrak Gives Ultimatum to States), Nixon continues following Amtrak's effort to comply with PRIIA. "Most of the states have already agreed to pick up the costs", he writes, which is expected to increase its revenue "by about $85 million a year".

Among those who have yet to decide:

  • Indiana is "studying whether to kick in $4 million to $5 million a year to continue the Hoosier State train between Indianapolis and Chicago.
  • California is "weighing whether to pay an additional $20 million to $25 million a year to keep service between San Diego and San Luis Obispo."

Michael Puente of WBEZ Radio, Chicago, reported on April 24 on the fate of the Hoosier State train, now in the hands of the Indiana legislature. His report is also available via audio.

The Hoosier State line runs four days a week between (Indianapolis and Chicago), carrying on average about 120 passengers per trip on trains that can accommodate up to 270 people, depending on demand.  By October, the Hoosier State line could make its last run if $3 million in funding doesn’t come through from Indiana lawmakers.

Tim Maloney, senior policy director the Indianapolis-based Hoosier Environmental Council, sees more demand for trains service "even though Amtrak can take up to five hours compared to approximately three hours in a car from downtown Chicago."

We’re very interested in seeing more (Indiana) investment and involvement with transportation alternatives to motor vehicles on highways because of the environmental and energy-savings benefits that those alternatives provide,” said Maloney

Should the line be eliminated, Amtrak's Cardinal train service will continue to operate three days a week between the two cities.

In addition to pressure being placed on states to subsidize the shorter Amtrak routes in their states, PRIIA itself must be renewed - part of a comprehensive, $40 rail package that funds the Federal Railroad Administration for five years. President Obama has not identified new sources of revenue to fund the programs in it, described here on May 01.

Thursday, May 2, 2013 in The New York Times - U.S.

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight