Pantagraph.com
...A recent report from the Auditor General's Office stopped short of saying the state could save money if more state workers took the train when traveling on official business.
However, thanks to an Amtrak government discount, it costs only $17 each way for state employees to take the train between Chicago and Springfield. That's much less than the reimbursement rate for driving, which would be about $80 each way. The state's reimbursement rate is 44.5 cents per mile.
A survey for the Auditor General's Office found nearly 80 percent of state employees preferred to take a car or plane.
Reliability, schedules, meeting locations, cost and personal preference were among reasons cited by those preferring to skip the train. Personal preference alone is a poor excuse if it's costing taxpayers more money...
