Amtrak ridership jumps by 10 million riders
U.S. passenger railroad Amtrak said ridership jumped by more than 10 million riders in the year ending September 30th and has nearly returned to pre-covid levels. Amtrak said ridership rose 89% over 2021 levels to 22.9 million riders — up 10.8 million passengers over the prior year. Overall ridership hit about 85% of pre-covid levels in the last six months of the 2022 budget year, Amtrak said, adding it expects ridership and revenue to rise above 90% of pre-COVID levels by September 2023. [reuters.com]
Biden signs legislation averting rail strike
President Joe Biden has signed a bill to avert a freight rail strike that could have plunged the U.S. into a recession. A strike also would have a big potential impact on passenger rail since Amtrak and many commuter railroads rely on tracks owned by the freight railroads. The bill, , passed by the Senate and the House, binds rail companies and workers to a proposed settlement that was reached in September but rejected by some union workers. [apnews.com]
First test train arrives at new Charlotte station
The very first “test train” has arrived at the platform of Charlotte’s new Gateway Station marking completion of the project’s first phase of construction. Once Charlotte’s new passenger train station is complete, it will provide Amtrak passengers direct access to Uptown Charlotte, the CityLYNX Gold Line, bus routes, and other local transit. A second phase will see the construction of a multi-use building for railroad operations as well as retail, residential, commercial, and dining accommodations. [wcnc.com]
Amtrak restoring second St Louis – KC service
Amtrak plans to resume its second daily train trips to and from Washington starting Dec. 5, which is later than originally anticipated. Train 311, which leaves Washington for Kansas City at 9:21 a.m., and Train 316, which leaves Washington for St. Louis at 8:19 p.m., were suspended Oct. 24. The service, which was suspended because of a shortage of equipment and was originally scheduled to return to service November 17th is expected to return return December 5th. [emissourian.com]
Amtrak Winter Park Express booking for 2023
Amtrak and Colorado’s Winter Park Resort have announce the new season of the “Winter Park Express“ will be offered each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from the weekend of Jan.13-15 through the weekend of March 24-26. The “ski train” runs from Denver Union Station to just steps from the lifts. Skis and snowboards can be transported as carry-ons for no additional charge. The Winter Park Express features a bi-level Sightseer Lounge offering panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. [prnewswire.com]
