WASHINGTON — Amtrak spent $4.5 billion on infrastructure projects in fiscal 2024, along with setting ridership and revenue records, the company said today.
Trains News Wire previously provided analysis on the fiscal 2024 results (see “Amtrak notches ridership and revenue record …,” Trains News Wire, Nov. 25, 2024), but the company’s announcement highlights the overall numbers — 32.8 million customer trips, up 15% from fiscal 2023; $2.5 billion in ticket revenue, up 9% from the previous year, and $3.6 billion in total operating revenue, up 7%.
“Breaking our ridership record is just the beginning,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said in a press release. “This record ridership shows that travelers throughout the U.S. want efficient travel options, and we are committed to meeting that demand. Through bold investments, strong partnerships with states and host railroads, and dedicated planning, we are doubling down on our vision to connect more people and communities like never before.”
The company also pointed to efforts to upgrade its equipment fleet, with a request for proposals for new long-distance equipment, some 82% of current long-distance rolling stock having undergone a refresh, and the ongoing construction of the new Airo trainsets, expected to enter service in 2026.
“We are modernizing our network and fleet so we can make every journey with Amtrak world class,” Amtrak President Roger Harris “As we build for the future, our investments in new equipment, expanded service, and critical infrastructure will continue to elevate the experience from coast to coast.”
Notable points from the company’s fiscal year summary include:
— The addition of 1 million seats in Northeast Regional capacity, with a 20% increase in service on weekdays and 10% on weekends.
— Completion of qualification testing on the next generation of Acela trainsets, with more than 900 test runs covering more than 90,000 miles. Test results will be submitted to the Federal Railroad Adminstration soon, Amtrak said.
— Major tunnel infrastructure activity of note includes the start of preliminary work on the East River Tunnel rehabilitation; the start of the Hudson Tunnel project in New Jersey and the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing project for the tunnel in New York; and the beginning of demolition for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore, which will replace the 151-year-old B&P Tunnel.
— Advance of the Portal North Bridge project led by NJ Transit to 70% completion; groundbreaking on the Connecticut River Bridge; pre-construction work and the award of three major contracts for the Susquehanna River Bridge in Maryland.
— Some $155 million in station accessibility projects, bringing the total of 124 stations that are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and 67 more that are accessible.
The results arrive just ahead of Amtrak’s annual public board meeting, to be held Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Seattle. Trains News Wire will provide coverage of that event.