Amtrak looks to the future as they prepare to continue expanding their infrastructure to accommodate growing ridership demands.
Photo: Amtrak
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Amtrak achieved an all-time ridership record in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), with a historic 32.8 million customers as demand for passenger rail service continues to grow in markets across the nation.
Amtrak also invested a $4.5 billion into major infrastructure and fleet projects, creating the largest boom in rail construction in Amtrak’s history. Thousands of skilled Americans have been put to work and American manufacturing has gotten a jump-start.
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Amtrak is seizing the opportunity of strong customer interest and leveraging investments to improve all aspects of the travel experience.
“Breaking our ridership record is just the beginning,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. “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.”
FY24 Amtrak Performance
As Amtrak continues to transform rail and provide a high quality experience, preliminary results for FY24 include:
An all-time record of 32.8 million customer trips, increasing 15% over FY23.
$2.5 billion in ticket revenue, a first in Amtrak’s history and 9% higher year-over-year.
$3.6 billion in total operating revenue, a 7% increase over FY23.
$4.5 billion invested into critical infrastructure upgrades, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving mobility around the country.
$705.2 million in adjusted operating earnings, a 9% improvement over FY23.
One new train service launched and four additional routes expanded.
With a strong workforce and private-sector partners, Amtrak is building new bridges, tunnels, trains, and more to deliver world-class infrastructure upgrades. These investments will enhance safety and reliability while expanding capacity, spurring economic growth, and improving accessibility.
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Amtrak is also working closely with state partners to establish new routes, upgrade stations, and lay the groundwork for future corridor expansion.
Advancing a new era of passenger rail supports Amtrak’s goal of doubling ridership to 66 million by 2040.
“Amtrak’s record ridership reflects not only the need for train travel in America but also the impact of strategic investments that support our long-term vision,” said Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia. “We’re modernizing and expanding our network in ways that will improve service, enhance reliability, and increase capacity. This is an exciting time for rail in America, and Amtrak is committed to leading the way.”
The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.
The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.
While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.
With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.
The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.
Under Secretary Duffy, the grant program’s revamped criteria will prioritize safety; the American family; and workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation, according to a press release.
The agencies, San Diego MTS and NCTD - San Diego Railroad, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to help address their respective financial sustainability strategies.
The ATP board’s approval of the KAP team enables ATP to begin pre-construction activities, including advancing design, initiating permitting, and preparing the site for future construction.