Amtrak Is Resuming Service to Chicago- What You Need to Know

All aboard! Trains that have sat idle in the rail yard since the end of March will be making the trip from Grand Rapids to Chicago again.

Suspended on March 21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Amtrak's Pere Marquette line resumes service beginning June 29 and 30. This popular train travels from Chicago to Grand Rapids (and vice versa) with stops in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, Bangor, and Holland in between.

These are the new standards of travel:

• Reservations are required
• Cashless service has been implemented in stations and on all trains
• Trains are booking at less than 50% capacity to allow for social distancing
• Amtrak is requiring that all customers in stations and on trains wear facial coverings
• Enhanced cleaning protocols are being followed by Amtrak employees

We are dedicated to doing everything possible to return service safely. We want everyone to feel comfortable as they navigate this new normal.

-Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn.

If you are concerned about COVID-19, want to check the numbers or see what restrictions Illinois has on travel and businesses, you can check out the official site here: Coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/s

NOTE: South Shore Line, known as the Chicago commuter train, limited routes for a time but has resumed full service since June 8. Facial coverings are required for riders, but they also have a mask-optional car.