WASHINGTON — Amtrak reported March 9 that it has marked 16 consecutive months of ridership growth, and that February was the best on record, with 2.1 million passengers.
“The ridership increase shows the continued popularity of rail travel and the need for continued investment in passenger rail service,” said Amtrak CEO Joseph Boardman. “We anticipate demand for rail travel will increase with the rise of gasoline prices, and Amtrak is prepared to be there for passengers who want to leave the car behind.”
Amtrak’s strong performance, said Boardman, is part of a long-term trend that has seen Amtrak set annual ridership records in seven of the past eight fiscal years, including more than 28.7 million passengers in 2010.
There was a 7.6 percent increase in riders in February 2011 vs. February 2010, or more than 147,000 passengers. The 16 straight months of ridership growth spans from November 2009 to February 2011, and averages a 6 percent growth rate over this period, Amtrak said.
Related News
- Automation Protection Headlines New Contract for Local 1707
- What Website Resources Are Most Important to You? Send Us Your Suggestions
- Local 1258 Earns an “A” for Inaugural Backpack Drive
- Local 1741 Ratifies Trio of Strong Agreements
- Cheaper to Burn Bridges than Inspect Them: Documentary Reveals Railroad Negligence
- Union Pacific Deemed “Serial Violator” of FRSA, OSHA Slaps Railroad with Hefty Penalty
- Make Plans to Attend a Regional Training Seminar Today!
- Tenacity Yields Strong Contract for Local 1909 School Bus Drivers
- Natick Station Reopens in Massachusetts
- Is Your Family Paying the Price for Your Job?