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Traffic Fatalities in Illinois Go Down; Amtrak Ridership Up
The number of crash fatalities on Illinois roads continues to decline.

The fatality total last year was 1,249 -- the lowest number since 1924, and you can imagine how many more vehicle miles were driven last year compared to 1924. This year, through October, there were 843 fatalities.

IDOT Secretary Milt Sees says he has worked hard to bring down the fatality numbers. Why are deaths down? Safer cars, safer roads and more seat belt use.

Also, IDOT is considering purchasing coaches to add capacity to the Amtrak trains serving Downstate Illinois. Ridership on routes in Downstate Illinois is the highest in 30 years, up 15 percent last year from the year before. Trains sell out early.

Sees says he is inquiring whether there is any flexibility in the fare structure to allow the state to add a surcharge to cover the cost of adding coaches.

In the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 1,079,778 tickets were sold on the local routes serving Downstate. This is an increase of 143,546 passengers from the previous fiscal year. This includes passengers on local trains as well as the City of New Orleans, Texas Eagle, California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief who travel to or from points in Illinois.

(Illinois Radio Network)
11 12 08 by Newsroom
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