High oil prices propel Amtrak to record ridership

International Railway Journal, Sept, 2008

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AMTRAK, the United States intercity passenger rail operator, carried 2.75 million passengers in July, more than any other month in its 37-year existence. Passenger numbers were up 14% over July 2007 levels, while ticket revenue increased 18.6% to $US 168 million.

Amtrak says it has seen increases in passenger numbers across its long-distance, intercity and Northeast Corridor operations.

"Increasing fuel prices, highway congestion, airline issues and environmental awareness continue to make intercity rail extremely relevant and popular," says president and CEO Mr Alex Kummant.

Congress is currently seeking to increase Amtrak's funding for 2009, although President George W Bush has threatened to veto any bills passed by the House of Representatives or the Senate that would provide Amtrak with additional federal funding.