Amtrak saw a 1.3 percent increase in riders last fiscal year, including a 3.7 percent increase in ridership on long-distance trains, the railroad said.
More than 31.2 million people rode an Amtrak train in Fiscal Year 2016, which ended on Sept. 30, and the railroad said it hauled in a record $2.14 billion in unaudited ticket revenue. That is a $12 million increase over Fiscal Year 2015.
“The results demonstrate the value we deliver to our customers and the vital role Amtrak plays in our nation’s transportation system,” Amtrak Chairman of the Board Anthony Coscia said in a news release. “We are off to another strong start for the new fiscal year and will provide a great travel experience for customers who choose Amtrak in the upcoming holiday season.”
Some other highlights include:
- Amtrak covered 94 percent of its operating costs with ticket sales and other revenues, up from 92 percent during the 2015 fiscal year
- Ridership on the Northeast Corridor was up 1.7 percent
- State-supported routes, such as the Carolinian and the Cascades, were up 0.2 percent
- Ridership on the Auto Train was down 12.2 percent
“More and more customers recognize Amtrak as a smarter way to travel,” Amtrak President and CEO Wick Moorman said in a news release. “We will continue to enhance the customer experience and strengthen our market position through investments such as next-generation high-speed rail for the Northeast Corridor, while at the same time remaining focused on running an efficient and effective company.”
