This past year, Amtrak has had record ridership, five percent passenger growth compared to last year, and an eight percent increase in revenue compared with last year. This is pretty good for a 'Soviet-style' rail system. Meanwhile, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) has decreased 1-2 percent this past year. Who needs facts, however, when you have your Ayn Rand-ideology.
Amtrak hits record 30 million passengers
By JOAN LOWY
Associated Press
10/14/2011
"WASHINGTON (AP) — Amtrak trains carried more than 30 million passengers in the past 12 months, the most in one year since the passenger railroad was created four decades ago, railroad officials said Thursday.
Ridership during the budget year ending on Sept. 30 was 30.2 million passengers, up 5 percent over the previous year. Ticket revenue was up by more than 8 percent despite significant weather-related disruptions in much of the country.
Amtrak has set ridership records eight out of the last nine years. A decade ago, it carried 21 million passengers a year."
http://news.yahoo.com/amtrak-hits-re...225659509.html