A new proposal will provide more Amtrak services for Eastern students at the Mattoon station this fall.

“It will help transport students by train our bus without other provided transportation,” said Alan Gilmore, Mattoon city administrator.

Gilmore and other Mattoon city administrators met with Charleston and Eastern officials this past May. This proposal will expand the Amtrak services to northbound to Chicago and southbound to New Orleans. Eastern will offer Officials are hoping to decrease the travel delay for faculty, staff and students who reside in northern Illinois.

“Working with Mattoon and Amtrak to provide increased rail service is important to our students, faculty and staff who work or who have business north of Mattoon,” said Jill Nilsen, Eastern vice president for external relations, ” The addition of one train going north and south each day is a benefit to all.”

Another benefit to students will be the proposed Eastern plan to provide shuttle bus service to the depot on Friday, Sunday and Monday in order for students to be able to take advantage of the new extended Amtrak service.

Despite their optimism, there are Eastern students who will not reap Amtrak benefits. Over 43 percent of Eastern’s total enrollment from Fall 2005 and Spring 2006 represented students from the Chicago area, according to Eastern’s Department of Planning and Institutional Studies. Gilmore, however, did acknowledge the entire student population by offering other options.

“Yes, there are services added to benefit the students who are not from the Chicago area. There are connecting routes and bus services,” said Gilmore.

Students, on the other hand, such as senior Jeff Roth, are looking forward to the expansion for other reasons other than better services.

“It might decrease traffic in Charleston if more student’s used the train. Also, it may help the constant parking issues on campus,” said Roth.

Still, a few students and one staff member are inhibited from changing their overall opinion of Amtrak train services and believe that Amtrak have yet to prove that they are reliable and convenient for all.

“They need to improve on possible train delays. I had to wait for approximately an hour over the expected arrival time to pick up a friend,” said Corrine Whitlateh, staff dining.

“They don’t have any set prices. Prices should be more affordable,” said senior Sherley Delma.

Aside from the complaints, Mattoon and Charleston officials are looking forward to the possible opportunities the Amtrak expansion will bring to each of their communities, possibly bringing life back to their cities.

“We’re making an effort to revitalize this historic depot. We would like to track more businesses,” said Gilmore.

Passengers board the Amtrak train in Mattoon on Tuesday night.

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