Amtrak to Springfield, IL?

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

Hey folks, I am considering taking Amtrak train 301 (Lincoln Service) from Joliet to Springfield for a one day business trip next week (need to be there by Noon and schedule calls for Springfield arrival at 10:15) and back on train 324 (The Ann Rutledge) which departs Springfield at 4:57 p.m.

I am not very concerned about the return trip but does anybody have experience with the on time performance of the Lincoln Service trains which I may use in my considerations.

The fare of $26 round trip beats the heck out of driving (more or less a full tank at about $40).

Thanks everybody.

2

An additional cost to consider is the cost of wear and tear (upkeep) on the vehicle. Last year the number that the IRS allowed accountants to use was US $ 0.44 per mile. At that cost, consider how much wear is being inflicted upon the vehicle in question. 0.44 multiplied by 148 miles (one way) = $ 65.12 . $ 26 r/t ? that’s a steal.

3

Right on…not to mention the almost 3.5 hours each way to drive it and the consequent wear and tear on my butt!

4

I read on another forum where the schedule of an eastbound train has been slowed down–maybe that will help with the timekeeping.

Edit: That adjustment was for Train 306, which is later in the day than you’d be returning.

Go for it, Jim, and let us know what you think!

5

Does the Amtrak website still show the on-time perfomance of its trains in “real time” and past runs?

6

Yes, but only for the 5 days previous.