By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Amtrak experienced a record-breaking fiscal year 2025, with 34.5 million customer trips, a 5.1% increase over the previous year, and $2.7 billion in adjusted ticket revenue. Total operating revenue reached $3.9 billion, a 9.1% increase, accompanied by a 15.1% rise in unaudited adjusted operating earnings. Key achievements included launching new services like Mardi Gras Service and Borealis, record-high on-time performance for Northeast Regional trains, and a significant $5.5 billion in capital investments for infrastructure upgrades and accessibility enhancements.
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Amtrak closes FY25 with record ridership, revenue, and it’s time to celebrate! Seriously, it’s pretty fantastic news, and I can’t help but feel a little excited about it. The company spent the past fiscal year launching new services and improving the customer experience with new trains and upgraded safety policies. That’s a good start to setting the stage for success.
Record ridership is the first thing to consider, and it’s something that really piques my interest. It makes you wonder what’s drawing people to trains more and more. It could be convenience, the relaxed atmosphere, or maybe even a shift in how we view travel in general. Let’s be real, trains are often a far more pleasant experience than the usual airport hustle or the stress of driving, especially when you’re taking a long trip. And if you’re like me, those long train rides can be a really enjoyable way to unwind.
Record revenue makes perfect sense, especially when you consider the overall increase in demand. Despite the perception, there haven’t been general fare increases for three years, a point that really matters. The success in terms of revenue is probably due to a combination of factors: increased ridership, the efficiency of new trainsets like the next-generation Acela (which offers 25% more capacity), and perhaps a greater willingness from travelers to pay for a better travel experience.
Now, about those Acelas… they’re truly a game-changer. They really are, with their increased capacity and improved service. Imagine even a small increase in demand and the impact that can have on the bottom line. It’s smart, too, to focus on routes like the Northeast Corridor, which are usually jam-packed.
The convenience factor is a major draw. Avoiding airport traffic and parking fees can make a significant difference, and taking the train to a hub airport and then hopping on a plane is a brilliant way to travel. The fact that trains run on time is also a huge plus, as is the ability to easily switch trains if your meeting ends earlier than expected.
Many people find train travel to be far superior to flying. Those long train rides, like the one from Philly to Charlotte or the one from Seattle to Portland, offer a completely different experience. You can relax, read a book, enjoy the scenery, and even pack a chicken cutlet sandwich! It’s an altogether more comfortable and less stressful way to get from point A to point B.
The pricing can seem high sometimes, particularly for roomettes on those longer trips, but it’s important to remember that demand is high during peak travel times. The prices are probably up as well because it’s peak demand. Booking in advance can help to snag better deals. However, it’s a testament to the overall value of train travel that even with higher prices, Amtrak is seeing such a surge in ridership.
People seem to be looking for a more relaxed and comfortable way to travel and often trains deliver on that promise. Plus, as we see increasing cuts to air traffic controllers, taking the train starts to look more and more attractive.
I am looking forward to taking Amtrak from Trenton to Boston come February and, based on the reports, that should be a very comfortable ride. It’s no wonder so many of us are captivated by the rails!