Amtrak's Hoosier State can continue under state, federal agreement

The understanding allows Indiana to move forward on negotiating a long-term operating contract with Amtrak and Iowa Pacific Holdings, an independent rail company.

Last month, INDOT announced it would cancel the service at the end of this month because the federal agency ruled that the state would be financially liable for any property damage or personal injury involving the train that stops four days a week at the Lafayette Amtrak station.

Local and state elected leaders, along with Indiana Senators Dan Coats and Joe Donnelly and Congressman Todd Rokita protested the ruling to FRA's acting administrator, Sarah Feinberg.

INDOT Commissioner Karl Browning met in Indianapolis with FRA staff last week to discuss the roles and responsibilities for providing safe passenger rail service.

"INDOT and the FRA share the guiding principles of access to safe mobility," Browning said. "Based on these guiding principles, we are both committed to a path toward continuing the Hoosier State service."