March 07, 2003
CHANGES TO AMTRAK'S SERVICE ANNOUNCED DUE TO REDUCED STATE FUNDING
Two train stations to be unstaffed and a surcharge to be imposed
JEFFERSON CITY, MO. - While Amtrak has decided to keep twice daily service operating between St. Louis and Kansas City beyond February 28 despite a state funding shortfall, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and Amtrak have agreed to implement some cost-savings measures to help meet the shortfall.
Amtrak's contract with MoDOT states that Amtrak may discontinue daily operation of the Missouri Mules after February 28 if a supplemental funding agreement is not in place. Given that the Missouri House passed a supplemental appropriations bill that included $800,000 in operating support for Amtrak late last month, Amtrak announced it would continue to operate the second daily roundtrip between St. Louis and Kansas City. Earlier this week, the Missouri Senate also passed the supplemental appropriations bill with this funding level for Amtrak.
Since the supplemental appropriation falls short of the $1.2 million required to maintain the service as it currently exists, however, the two parties have decided to move forward in reducing expenses in order to maintain the two roundtrips currently provided by Amtrak.
First, station agent positions in Kirkwood and Jefferson City, MO are slated to be eliminated to achieve additional savings for the remainder of the fiscal year. Arrangements are being made that will keep the stations open during the day to serve most train passengers. Since passengers will no longer be able to buy tickets in the station and the train is reserved, they should purchase tickets in advance via the Web site www.amtrak.com or the toll-free number 1-800-USA-RAIL. Those making last-minute trips may be able to purchase tickets from the conductor with cash, if seats are available.
Second, a $5 surcharge per intra-state trip is being implemented April 1 to generate additional revenue. Since the surcharge may impact ridership, however, it is unclear exactly how much revenue will be raised.
Amtrak provides service across the state between St. Louis and Kansas City on two daily trains that receive operating support from the State of Missouri - the Missouri Mules (#301/306) and the Ann Rutledge (#303/304), with service to/from Chicago. In the Midwest, Amtrak also receives operating support for intra-state rail service in Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan.