Amtrak Chief Executive Officer Joe Boardman and U.S. Congressman André Carson (D-7) will hold a news conference Wednesday in Indianapolis. They are expected to discuss the future of the Hoosier State line between Indianapolis and Chicago before boarding a train to northwest Indiana.

The communities and INDOT fund the four-days-weekly Amtrak Hoosier State service — which together with the three-days-weekly Amtrak Cardinal — provides daily service between Indianapolis and Chicago to connect with the national Amtrak network. Amtrak was notified by INDOT of its desire to exercise an extension provision in the current contract to Jan. 31, 2015. Amtrak is pleased to continue to operate this service.

Amtrak believes it remains Indiana’s best long-term choice for safe, reliable intercity passenger rail service. Amtrak brings proven expertise in delivering passenger rail service, railroad operations, safety and security, equipment maintenance and repair. Amtrak continues to be able to make additions and improvements to the service, including marketing support and the Wi-Fi provided on other routes.

Amtrak is proud to be a major employer in Beech Grove, Indiana, with more than 550 employees who maintain and overhaul rail equipment. More than 225 other Amtrak employees live in Indiana. The Amtrak economic impact in Indiana last year exceeded $70 million from employee payroll and purchases from Indiana suppliers.

Source: Amtrak, Inside INdiana Business