Amtrak passenger rail service along I-57 includes the Illini-Saluki lines connecting three economic engines for the state of Illinois -- the University of Illinois, Eastern and Southern Illinois Universities thus creating the I-57 Amtrak Rail Knowledge Corridor. Ridership has steadily grown on the Illini-Saluki trains due to increased gas prices; a new workforce demographic; and as parents, students, residents and tourists seek more economically viable modes of transportation. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation's own study, the ever-growing demand means that additional daily service could actually be added to the corridor.

The political stalemate in Illinois has put funding for Amtrak passenger rail at risk. We recognize the fiscal challenges facing our state government, but the coalition seeks a balance that supports the preservation of funding and the current service level for rail service along the I-57 Amtrak Rail Knowledge Corridor. Passenger rail is critical to I-57 Corridor communities' economic development efforts; it is an essential service for the public universities and provides a vital quality of life in the communities that Amtrak serves. Signing this petition will add your name to the growing coalition to protect the Amtrak service on the I-57 Corridor. Coalition partners include (to-date):

BankChampaign, N.A.

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce

Carbondale Tourism

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

Champaign County Regional Planning Commission

Champaign Unit #4 School District

Champaign Urbana Mass Transit District

Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce

City of Champaign

City of Urbana

Eastern Illinois University

Effingham Tourism

Fox Development Corporation

I Hotel and Conference Center

Iroquois Federal

Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce

Mattoon Arts Council

Mayor Charles Smith, Rantoul

Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, Champaign

Mayor Laurel Lunt Prussing, Urbana

Mayor Nina Epstein, Kankakee

Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union #149

Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University System

State Representative Carol Ammons

State Representative Chad Hays

State Representative Terri Bryant

State Senator Gary Forby

State Senator Scott Bennett

The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Urbana Park District

Urbana School District Superintendent Dr. Donald D. Owen

Village of Rantoul, Illinois

Visit Champaign County