Amtrak riders will soon have fewer options when traveling through Uptown Station.
Amtrak is cutting the frequency of its Texas Eagle service (between Chicago and San Antonio, with a stop in Normal) from every day to three times a week. It’s one of many long-distance train service changes announced this week as part of Amtrak’s response to the coronavirus, which has reduced demand.
The Texas Eagle change goes into effect Oct. 1. An Amtrak spokesperson said their goal is to restore daily service “as demand warrants” by summer 2021.
Texas Eagle saw 136,400 riders in April, a 24% decline from a year ago, according to Amtrak data.
The other Amtrak line that passes through Uptown Station is Lincoln Service (between Chicago and St. Louis). It saw 283,000 riders in April, down around 20% from a year ago.
That line already saw a service reduction to three daily round trips.
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