Ask Indiana lawmakers to subsidize Amtrak train

I noted with interest the Feb. 25 article “Dyer Asked to Sit on Amtrak Panel to Increase Ridership.” 

The reference to low or decreasing ridership numbers at the Dyer station is puzzling. Between 2005 and 2011, ridership increased by 55 percent, and totaled 2,439 in 2011 alone. 2012 should show an increase over 2011.

Also, the Hoosier State runs only four days per week. On the other three days, service is provided by the Cardinal. Under federal law, the Hoosier State must be discontinued as of October, unless Indiana provides funding. The Indiana Department of Transportation is “studying” the issue.

Anyone who cares about maintaining Northwest Indiana’s transportation infrastructure should tell the General Assembly it is vitally important to provide funding for the Hoosier State. If we lose this train, the station in Dyer becomes more or less irrelevant.

- Steven Coxhead, Hammond, representative to the Council of the National Association of Rail Passengers