Amtrak's Hiawatha Service serving Milwaukee and Chicago undergoes fare change

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Amtrak Hiawatha Service, which operates between Milwaukee and Chicago, is updating its fare structure. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation confirmed that the Hiawatha Service has introduced a variable ticket pricing system.

Previously set at a fixed $25, fares will now range between $19 and $31, adjusting based on demand and how early tickets are purchased.

Wisconsin DOT Secretary Craig Thompson, in a press release Wednesday, Nov. 1, explained the rationale behind the new pricing. “The Hiawatha Service offers seven round trips weekdays between Milwaukee and Chicago and is one of the most popular passenger train routes in the country."

He added, “The new fare system works toward three main goals: easing crowding by offering cheaper tickets during non-peak times, raising revenue for system costs and service improvements, and ensuring affordable travel by limiting the maximum fare to $31 each way.”

The 10-ride ticket has a new cap of $210, or $21 per ride. Although monthly pass sales have been stopped due to reduced demand, one-way and 10-ride tickets are available for pre-tax purchase by transit benefit account holders.

For more information, visit AmtrakHiawatha.com.