With Amtrak halted, Equality Illinois provides bus service to Springfield marriage rally

Thu. October 10, 2013 4:51 PM by GoPride.com News Staff

Chicago, IL - With Amtrak train service to Springfield halted during the opening day of the crucial fall legislative session, Equality Illinois is offering direct bus service to the state Capitol for the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality on Oct. 22.

Equality Illinois buses from 10 locations in Chicago, the suburbs and downstate will arrive in time for the noon start of the rally and depart in the late afternoon. The $30 round trip fare is half the price of a typical Amtrak ticket and includes snacks and drinks.

"We want to make sure the supporters of the freedom to marry have a reasonably priced and convenient way to participate in the march so our legislators hear from as many people as possible that 'the time is now' to pass Senate Bill 10, the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act," said Patty Dillon, Director of Field Operations for Equality Illinois.

Supporters can board the buses in Aurora, Brookfield, Palatine, Peoria, Rockford and five locations in Chicago on the south side and in Lakeview, the Loop, Logan Square and Uptown.

The exact departure locations are as follows: Brookfield, 9145 Grant Avenue, Brookfield; Lakeview, 3656 N Halsted Street, Chicago; The Loop, 105 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago; Logan Square, 2620 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago; Uptown, 4804 N Broadway Street, Chicago; South Side, 101 W 87TH Street, Chicago; Aurora, 2200 Ridge Avenue, Aurora; Peoria, 705 NE Jefferson Street, Peoria; Rockford, 4848 Turner Street, Rockford; and Palatine, 1025 N Smith Street, Palatine.

Riders can get more information and purchase tickets online.

"This will be a fun way to join in this important opportunity to carry the message that a majority of Illinoisans support the freedom to marry," Dillon said.

For more on the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality, visit marchonspringfield.com

Update: On Thursday, Amtrak and the Illinois DOT reached an agreement with the track owner to operate from Chicago to Springfield during the fall Legislative session. According to Amtrak, Lincoln Service trains will originate and terminate in Springfield on Oct. 21, 22 and 23. 
 

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