From WGN (includes video):

http://www.wgntv.com/videogallery/68131208/News/high-speed-amtrak-trains-debut

The push to bring high-speed rail service to the Midwest is speeding ahead.

Amtrak introduced Wednesday morning it’s “Wolverine” train, which can reach speeds of up to 110 miles-per-hour.

The train showcased its speed during a round-trip from Chicago to Kalamazoo, MI.

It left Union Station at 7am, and then stopped in New Buffalo and Kalamazoo. The train began its return trip just after 11 a.m., and arrived in Chicago around 12:30pm.

This trip is about 90 miles long, and is the only section that can handle speeds of up to 110 miles-per-hour. The train doesn’t hit 110mph until around Porter, Indiana during the eastbound trip.

But, the goal is to extend the advanced rail line to Detroit.

The Chicago-to-Detroit phase is only one part of a plan to offer high-speed train service in 9 states across the Midwest region. This plan also calls for connecting 40 of the largest markets in the area, and offering more than 60 daily round-trips.

Next year, trains on the Lincoln Line will hit 110mph.