RICHMOND, Va. — At the six-month mark, Amtrak's state-supported Washington-Lynchburg, Va., train has beat expectations for both ridership and revenue set for its entire first year. The train beat its ridership estimates every month since its startup last October, and Virginia has found itself with a bigger operating subsidy dedicated to the train than what's been needed.
Overall, the train has seen 55,025 riders, compared to the goal of 51,000 for the entire first year. Revenue so far has come in at $2.84 million, beating the $2.58 million estimate for the first year.
The state is holding the surplus operating funds in reserve, anticipating it may be needed in coming years in case passenger counts fluctuate.
"The Lynchburg service is a great example of how Amtrak can work successfully with a state partner to meet a need for intrastate rail service," said Jay McArthur, the principal officer in Amtrak's department of policy and development. "Our goal is to provide central Virginia with a transportation alternative, and we're encouraged by the enthusiasm Virginians have shown during the first six months of operation."
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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I'm proud to say that I was one of those 55,000 riding from Charlottesville to Washington in April.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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