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For the third time in as many weeks, the state of Illinois has announced plans to add state-sponsored Amtrak trains by Oct. 30. The state and national intercity passenger railroad will add another two trains along the Chicago-to-St. Louis corridor, increasing the number of daily round trips between the cities from three to five.

To be called the “Lincoln Serivce,” the state-supported round trips between Chicago and St. Louis will include the current State House trains.

By month’s end, the state and Amtrak also will launch the "Carl Sandburg" and "Saluki," which will provide additional trips between Chicago and Carbondale and Quincy, Ill.; and St. Louis and Quincy.

The services are part of a plan announced late last month to more than double state-sponsored Amtrak service in Illinois. In fiscal-year 2006, all Illinois-sponsored Amtrak routes posted record ridership. In spring, the Illinois general assembly increased state funding for Amtrak service from $12.1 million to $24 million.