Amtrak Announces All-Time Record for Ridership in 2024

Image: Amtrak train parked at a station. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Bruce Leighty)

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:25 PM ET, Tue December 3, 2024

It’s been a good year for Amtrak.

The national railroad line announced today that it achieved an all-time ridership record in fiscal year 2024 of 32.8 million customers.

The news comes as demand for passenger rail service continues to grow in markets across the nation, according to Amtrak.

It also follows on the heels of Amtrak investing an unprecedented $4.5 billion in major infrastructure and fleet projects. The rail line says that spending created the largest boom in rail construction in Amtrak’s history “putting thousands of skilled Americans to work and jump-starting American manufacturing. "

In equally good news, Amtrak says it intends to capitalize on the current momentum in order to continue to attract customer interest and leverage investments to improve all aspects of the travel experience.

“Breaking our ridership record is just the beginning,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said in a statement.

“This record ridership shows that travelers throughout the U.S. want efficient travel options, and we are committed to meeting that demand,” Gardner added.

Here’s a closer look at Amtrak’s 2024 results:

Ridership: All-time record 32.8 million customer trips, a 15 percent increase over FY23
Ticket Revenue: $2.5 billion – a first in Amtrak’s history and 9% higher year-over-year
Total operating revenue: $3.6 billion, a 7 percent increase over FY23
Major infrastructure investments: Invested $4.5 billion into critical infrastructure upgrades, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving mobility around the country.
Adjusted operating earnings: Improved by 9 percent over FY23 to ($705.2 million)
Service: Launched one new train service and expanded four additional routes

Amtrak said it is continuing to build new bridges, tunnels, trains and more. The investments are meant to enhance safety and reliability, while also expanding capacity and spurring economic growth. The rail company is also working closely with state partners to establish new routes, upgrade stations and establish the groundwork for future corridor expansion.

Amtrak’s goal is to double ridership to 66 million by 2040.

“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,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said in a statement.