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Travel Update 25-02

To: Agency Travel Coordinators

From: Raven A. DeVaughn, Chairman

Date: January 1, 2025

Subject: Amtrak Rates for State Employees

Amtrak offers discounted rates to State of Illinois employees travelling on official business, which are available Monday through Friday. State employees traveling on Saturday or Sunday will be subject to the normally available fare for that particular date and time. Amtrak requires advance reservations for all trains serving the State of Illinois.

Please note that the discounted State of Illinois rates are not available from the portable quick track machines located at various stations throughout the State, nor may reservations be secured for discounted state travel on Amtrak’s website. Reservations for discounted state travel on Amtrak may be made by calling:

  • General Reservations (800) USA-RAIL

Reservations for travel on Saturday or Sunday may be made from any available method due to the fact that a discounted rate is not available for travel on those days.

To ensure seat availability, employees should call Amtrak prior to the intended date of travel and should specifically request the “State of Illinois Official Government Travel Fare” and mention the “ZOGI” Fare Plan to the agents when they call to book or book in-person with a station agent. Employees will be asked to present a State ID upon check in.

As the appointed Travel Coordinator for your agency, it is your responsibility to disseminate this information to all appropriate personnel within your agency. If you have any questions, please contact the State Travel Coordinator, CMS.Travel@Illinois.gov.