Following the denial of an increased subsidy by Indiana DOT, the planned transition of Hoosier State operation from Iowa Pacific Holdings to Amtrak took place on March 1. The train offers four-day-a-week service between Chicago and Indianapolis on the days when the Cardinal does not operate. As part of the mutual separation agreement, Iowa Pacific equipment will be withdrawn, including the dome car serving chef-prepared meals onboard. Amtrak will substitute Horizon-series coaches cars, a business class car, and an Amcafe car. While ridership had steadily grown since Iowa Pacific assumed operation in 2015, but was not able to keep up with the expense of operating the service.

—Passenger Train Journal