Officials said that Iowa Pacific asked to be released from its contract that would have ended on June 30.
“We are certainly grateful to INDOT for providing the opportunity to demonstrate that service enhancements can drive improvements in customer satisfaction, revenue, and ridership,” Iowa Pacific President Ed Ellis tells Trains News Wire.
According to state transportation department representative Will Wingfield, the state has paid Amtrak $3.9 million since the service began in August 2015, and $500,000 to Iowa Pacific.
By all accounts though, the Hoosier State was a successful venture. According to the Indianaoplis Star, ridership increased 14 percent in between August 2015 and August 2016, including jumps of 65 percent in June and 63 percent in July.
The train added features including a dining car, domed lounge, wireless Internet, and business class seating. Wingfield says the state would continue the Internet service and business seating. Amtrak representatives say they would inform passengers what services will be provided once it completes an interim contract to continue service until June 30.
UPDATE: Full story with comments from the state of Indiana and Iowa Pacific Holdings. Jan. 30, 2017, 4:03 p.m. Central time.
