Rail ridership up in U.S.

[Bridgewater]

Amtrak says ridership on pace to set new record



WASHINGTON (AP) — Amtrak says ridership is on a record pace this year.

The rail carrier says ridership was up 4.3% during the first half of fiscal 2010 with a record 13.6 million passengers. Amtrak says that's also about 100,000 more riders than the 13.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2008.

That fiscal year turned out to be the highest ridership in Amtrak's history when 28.7 million passengers boarded trains.

President and CEO Joseph Boardman cited an improving economy and high fuel prices as factors in ridership growth.

Amtrak says it saw growth in its Northeast Corridor, particularly its high-speed Acela Express service, as well as long-distance routes including service between Chicago and New Orleans, and New Orleans and Los Angeles.

2010 The Associated Press.