Amtrak Ridership Numbers Were Flat in 2014, Polar Vortex Didn't Help
Skift Take
Amtrak's official ridership numbers can often be confusing, but one thing is clear: Its infrastructure problems, particularly along the Northeast Corridor, will only hinder the company's growth unless improvements are made soon.
Amtrak's ridership numbers were flat in fiscal 2014, and were negatively impacted by the polar vortex that rolled across Canada and the U.S. in early January.
Amtrak reported yesterday that its total ridership for fiscal 2014, ending September 30, was 30.9 million. Fiscal 2013’s total ridership was initially tallied at 31.6 million, but the rail line recently began using a different methodology and has since revised its 2013 ridership numbers to 30.8 million.
“Last winter’s polar vortex did have a big impact, particularly out
