Amtrak reinstates monthly pass for Hiawatha line, Milwaukee to Chicago

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A month after removing its monthly pass for its Hiawatha line, Amtrak reinstated the option.

On Nov. 1, 2023, WisDOT and Amtrak announced a new fare schedule for the Amtrak Hiawatha Service, which runs from Milwaukee to Chicago. The changes included new sliding fares and eliminating its $400 monthly pass that gave passengers unlimited rides.

Amtrak said the revision in fares was due to post-COVID changes in travel patterns, telling CBS 58 that the $210 10-ride pass was now a more attractive travel option for passengers. For people who use the Hiawatha line twice a day, five days a week, the 10-ride pass would cost $840, over double the previous $400 monthly option.

On Monday, Dec. 18, Amtrak announced it reinstated the monthly Hiawatha pass for $650, a $250 increase over the previous version. Last week, CBS 58 reported on the changes, with some passengers against the price increase.

In a statement, Amtrak said:

"As you reported last week, Amtrak and WisDOT were considering changes to our fare plans prior to your reports. We are pleased to say we are reinstating the monthly Hiawatha pass at a rate that will offer significant savings for very regular riders compared to the 10-pass option. The unlimited Milwaukee – Chicago fare is available now for January for $650, with lower prices for shorter distances. As before, transit accounts are a good way to save further by purchasing the passes with pre-tax income."

When asked if the monthly pass would extend beyond January, Amtrak officials said it is a continuing product.