Loop (Amtrak train) explained

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Loop
Type:Inter-city rail
Status:Discontinued
Locale:Illinois
First:April 27, 1986
Last:June 28, 1996
Successor:Lincoln Service
Formeroperator:Amtrak
Start:Chicago
Stops:6
End:Springfield
Distance:185miles
Journeytime:3 hours and 30 minutes
Frequency:Daily
Class:Custom class and unreserved coach
Trainnumber:311, 312
Catering:On-board cafe
Stock:Amfleet/Horizon
Map State:collapsed

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.

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.

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.

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