By Jim Fitzpatrick

The head of Amtrak made a trip to Normal Wednesday afternoon to discuss upgrades for the increasingly popular service. Ridership on Amtrak's passenger trains has soared to record levels across the country as gas prices have skyrocketed.

Amtrak's CEO Alex Kummant joined Senator Dick Durbin and Illinois Department of Transportation head Milt Sees. Durbin says on time performance is a major problem.

Kummant says a process has been put in place to address the Chicago-St. Louis route.

Durbin is lobbying for the passage of a re-authorization of a bill that would provide a dedicated funding source for Amtrak improvements. Some money would go toward upgrading service on Amtrak's Chicago-St. Louis route.