April 15, 2011 -- Amtrak's passenger services in Michigan have racked up impressive ridership numbers in the first six months of the fiscal year, with significant growth on all three routes, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The strong performance indicates that more passengers are choosing train travel for convenience and good value, especially as gas prices are on the upswing.
In figures for the 2010-2011 fiscal year first half (October - March), 243,185 passengers rode Amtrak's Wolverine service on the Pontiac/Detroit-Chicago corridor, an increase of 16.3 percent from the same period a year earlier. Ticket revenue was up by more than 21 percent to $9,001,191.
The Blue Water service on the Port Huron/East Lansing-Chicago route saw an impressive 26.2 percent increase with 85,823 passengers using the Amtrak service, one of the largest increases in the nation. Ticket revenue was up by 23.9 percent to $2,616,534.
Ridership on the Pere Marquette service between Grand Rapids and Chicago experienced improvement, too, with a 6.7 percent increase in passengers to 48,787 and an 11.7 percent increase in ticket revenue to $1,475,209.
"Amtrak travel is an important transportation option that means good value and mobility for Michiganders," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Higher gasoline prices have no doubt played a role in driving a growing number of travelers toward train travel. That choice means fewer cars on congested highways."
Amtrak operates the Blue Water and Pere Marquette services under a contract with MDOT. Amtrak does not receive any direct state support for the Wolverine. Michigan is one of 15 states that provide state-supported service.
For a Station Activity Summary Report that shows individual station statistics, go to the MDOT Web site for details: www.michigan.gov/mdot, then Rail & Public Transit, Rail Links.
MDOT: Working with our partners at airports, bus systems, marine and rail to find innovative solutions for Michigan's transporta
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