The Indiana Department of Transportation, Iowa Pacific Holdings and online communities on Oct. 9, announce a unique business-class service for the Hoosier State train four days per week between Indianapolis and Chicago. Business-class service includes table seating, a hot meal served on a white tablecloth and alcoholic beverages.
Now only business-class passengers have access to the upper level of a unique dome lounge and its curved glass windows that extend overhead. Bringing the dome lounge and a private, ADA-accessible business-class car into revenue service doubles the maximum seating from 88 to 184 ahead of fall foliage and the busy holiday season.
The Hoosier State train combines with Amtrak’s long-distance Cardinal service, which includes sleeping-car service, to provide daily round trips between Indianapolis and Chicago.
Food and beverage menus
State and local governments contracted with Iowa Pacific to provide new amenities on board the Hoosier State train and make it more competitive. Passengers can stay productive or enjoy the journey with limited free Wi-Fi service and power outlets in both coach and business class. The Hoosier State’s Wi-Fi network uses available bandwidth from cellular carriers along the tracks.
Passengers on the morning northbound train on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays can stay warm with a variety breakfast selections including:
- Steel-cut oatmeal with brown sugar, walnuts and fruit
- Cinnamon roll with warm icing
- Bagel with cream cheese or butter
- Sausage or bacon breakfast burrito
- Two eggs with hash browns, toast, fresh fruit and sausage or bacon
Passengers looking to end a fun or productive day in Chicago on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays may enjoy one of the dinner entrees on the southbound train, including:
- Personal cheese or pepperoni pizza
- Fresh salad with fruits and vegetables
- Turkey club sandwich or chicken caprese panini with chips
- Blue plate special with vegetables, potatoes and rolls
Travelers can enjoy a sweet treat or alcoholic beverage on board, including:
- A selection of candy bars
- Mini apple pie with caramel and whipped cream
- Domestic beers
- Imported beers or spirits
- Mixed drinks or wine
Travelers looking for a quick snack can pick up potato chips, granola bars or yogurt. Coffee, tea, soda and juice are also offered on board.
Hot meals are cooked fresh on board and served with real dishes and silverware. All of the above menu items are offered to coach passengers, as well, at affordable pricing.
New website
Business, leisure and student travelers are invited to learn more about the transformed Hoosier State train and the destinations it serves between Indianapolis and Chicago on the train's website.
The new website and its companion newsletter and social media pages allows travelers to stay updated on Hoosier State train improvements, promotions and other service messages. Social media users can follow the Hoosier State train on Facebook and Twitter
Tickets are available at the train's website, 800-USA-RAIL and other sales channels, including Amtrak mobile apps. Coach fares range from $1 to $48 each way, and business-class tickets range up to $78 each way.
Paper tickets, eTickets, and reservations continue to be issued by Amtrak and are subject to discounts and two rewards programs, Amtrak Guest Rewards and the Rail Baron Club. Iowa Pacific’s Premier Rail Collection travel rewards program, the Rail Baron Club allows frequent train travelers to earn complimentary upgrades and additional onboard amenities.
New contracts
The 23-month contracts for the Hoosier State train that began Aug. 2 are posted on INDOT’s website for public review at www.in.gov/indot/3200.htm.
Amtrak serves as the operator, working with host railroads, providing train and engine crews, and managing reservations and ticketing. Iowa Pacific is the state’s contractor to provide the train equipment, train maintenance, food service and marketing. The communities of Crawfordsville, Lafayette, Rensselaer, Tippecanoe County and West Lafayette are contributing funding and have a vested interest in improving performance and ensuring accountability.
