The Loop was a daily passenger train operated by Amtrak between Chicago and Springfield, Illinois. The Loop began on April 27, 1986, with funding support from the state of Illinois. The train acted as a counterpart to the State House, departing Chicago in the morning and returning in the afternoon. Funding shortfalls eliminated Saturday service in mid-1995, and the train ended altogether on June 28, 1996, after Illinois withdrew its support.[1]: 229–233 

Loop
The Loop at Joliet Union Station in August 1989
Overview
Service typeInter-city rail
StatusDiscontinued
LocaleIllinois
First serviceApril 27, 1986
Last serviceJune 28, 1996
SuccessorLincoln Service
Former operator(s)Amtrak
Route
TerminiChicago
Springfield
Stops6
Distance travelled185 miles (298 km)
Average journey time3 hours and 30 minutes
Service frequencyDaily
Train number(s)311, 312
On-board services
Class(es)Custom class and unreserved coach
Catering facilitiesOn-board cafe
Technical
Rolling stockAmfleet/Horizon
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)

The Loop originally operated with refurbished bilevel cars from the Chicago & North Western Railway, but by 1987 Amtrak substituted Amfleet coaches, later supplemented by Horizon Fleet coaches.[1]: 235–236 

In 2006 Amtrak restored and exceeded the service level that had been provided by the Loop by adding two new round trips to the State House, which was rebranded as the Lincoln Service.

References

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  1. ^ a b Sanders, Craig (2006). Amtrak in the Heartland. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. ISBN 978-0-253-34705-3.
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