JOLIET, Ill. (AP) - An Amtrak passenger train has reached a speed of 110 mph for the first time in Illinois.
   
The train reached the speed Friday morning in a modest milestone for President Barack Obama's high-speed rail vision. The five-car, two-locomotive train zipped through the central Illinois countryside, hitting its high speed between the towns of Dwight and Pontiac.
   
Gov. Pat Quinn and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood were among the officials aboard who watched the speed increase on a special video monitor. The governor pumped his fist in the air and gave a thumbs-up when it reached 110 mph. Other officials cheered and clapped.
   
The 30-mph increase from the route's current top speed is a morale booster for advocates of high-speed rail. But some rail experts question whether the route will become profitable.

Earlier story:

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois is about to hit a modest milestone in President Barack Obama's high-speed rail vision.
   
Test runs are scheduled to start zooming along a small section of the Amtrak line between Chicago and St. Louis at 110 mph on Friday.
   
The 30-mph increase from the route's current top speed is a morale booster for advocates of high-speed rail who have watched conservatives in Congress put the brakes on spending for fast train projects.
   
But some rail experts question whether the route can become profitable, or whether it will pose serious competition to air and automobile travel.
   
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Gov. Pat Quinn are scheduled to be on board when the train hits 110 mph. The 15-mile test section is between Dwight and Pontiac.

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