Amtrak recorded 31.7 million passenger trips, $3.2 billion in total revenue, and $194 million in operating earnings in the fiscal year ending in September — all which set new record highs.
All Amtrak service lines reported gains in ridership from the previous fiscal year. The Northeast Corridor’s 12 million riders marked a 1 percent increase, state-supported services’ 15 million riders marked a 2.1 percent increase, and long-distance routes’ 4.6 million riders marked a 0.9 percent increase.
“Amtrak had a record-breaking year in 2017,” Amtrak Co-CEO Wick Moorman. “To our customers and partners, we thank you for your business. To our employees, we commend you on your dedication and service. More and more people are choosing rail travel and for good reason. Amtrak offers a more comfortable and convenient travel experience with great amenities such as free Wi-Fi on most trains, plenty of legroom and no middle seat.”
Amtrak completed more than $420 million of state of good repair work and infrastructure renewal in fiscal year 2017. That included the completion of a new maintenance facility in Seattle and the beginning of an infrastructure renewal program at New York Penn Station.
“We provided a vital transportation service to more customers and created strong value for the federal investment,” Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia said. “And we’re going to do even better. Over the next several years, we’re aiming to cover total operating costs from ticket and other revenues by strengthening our services and continuing to drive efficiency. To do this, we are making investments in tracks and stations, on our trains, and in the delivery of customer service so that we can serve more customers with a better experience.”
Other highlights include deployment of state-purchased diesel locomotives on certain routes in Illinois, Wisconsin, Oregon and Washington; designation of a master developer for the six-year, $1 billion redevelopment of Chicago Union Station; and a new Winter Park Express serving 18,000 passengers in Colorado.
Additionally, Amtrak streamlined its senior management structure to boost efficiency and transparency. Amtrak also reported reducing total debt from $3.3 billion in September 2007 to $1.2 billion in September 2017, a 64 percent reduction.