Amtrak, the US passenger railroad, has set a record for ridership in 2024, with 32.8 million customer trips, exceeding pre-COVID levels for the first time. The increase is 15% over 2023, driven by rising passenger revenue to $2.5 billion and total operating revenue of $3.6 billion.
The carrier’s prior record was set in 2019, with 32.3 million passengers. To reach its goal of doubling ridership nationwide by 2040 to 66 million passengers, Amtrak is boosting services on the East Coast. However, the company faces challenges in expanding service due to various factors, including delays in new train car deliveries.
Amtrak has received significant funding for rail projects, including $22 billion dedicated to its operations in the 2021 infrastructure bill. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration previously sought to cut funding, but the White House recently announced additional $16.4 billion for 25 passenger rail projects on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.
Despite this increased funding, Amtrak’s future is uncertain due to ongoing service disruptions and delays. In November, the railroad temporarily suspended train service between New York and Washington for several hours due to overhead power issues in Philadelphia. The carrier transports around five times more passengers between these cities than airlines, highlighting its significant role in US transportation.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-railroad-amtrak-sets-passenger-record-2024-2024-12-03