Hoosier State service crosses one-year mark under new contract

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) this week marked one year of improvements to the Hoosier State passenger train, which provides service four days a week between Indianapolis and Chicago.

In May and June, ridership and revenue on the route increased when compared with the ridership and revenue during May and June 2015, INDOT officials said in a press release.

Notably, ticket revenue rose 62 percent. About 90 percent of the route's riders indicated on a survey that they were "very satisfied" with the service, INDOT Officials said.

Since October 2015, on-time performance averaged 82 percent. New amenities on the service include free power outlets and Wi-Fi service that uses mobile data along the track.

In July 2015, INDOT signed new contracts for the service with Amtrak, Indiana communities and a new contractor, Iowa Pacific Holdings.

Amtrak serves as the train operator and works with host railroads to provide train and engine crews, manage ticketing and reservations. Iowa Pacific provides the train equipment, train maintenance, marketing and on-board amenities.

The first train under the new service arrangement departed Indianapolis Union Station on Aug. 2, 2015.