On-Time Performance of Passenger Trains Through Effingham to be Discussed

A gathering is scheduled to discuss with railroad officials problems with on-time performance of passenger trains through the Effingham area.

The summit has been called by the Champaign Chamber of Commerce and Congressman Rodney Davis, who represents the Champaign area in Congress.

A study indicates the "on-time" performance by passenger trains through Effingham is among the worst in the nation.

What is being billed as the Amtrak On-Time Performance Rail Summit will take place from 8 to 9:30 am on Friday, November 22 at the Illinois Terminal in Champaign. Effingham County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Norma Lansing said Amtrak and Canadian National Railroad officials are to be on hand, as is Congressman Davis and a large group of stakeholders from the region. The goal is to discuss the pathway to a long-term solution that will improve the on-time performance of the rails.

US Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin have also been invited to the summit.

Lansing said the issue extends throughout the area, including Effingham. A report issued by the Inspector General's office indicated that only 6% of northbound Amtrak trains, which run between Carbondale and Chicago and stop in Effingham and Mattoon, were on time in the 12 months that ended in September 2018. By "on time", the report means the trains arrived within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival times. For southbound Saluki trains, 17% arrived "on time" and 18% were delayed by more than an hour.

Those wishing to attend to discuss the issue the summit on the 22nd can contact Lansing at the Effingham Chamber office at 342-4147 or Congressman Davis' staff member Erik Hamilton at erik.hamilton@mail.house.gov no later than November 20.