Passenger railroads see ridership jump as gas prices climb : NPR
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- U.S. passenger railroads are experiencing a surge in ridership as average gas prices exceed $4 a gallon, with Amtrak reporting a 5% increase and Florida's Brightline seeing over a 20% rise in March compared to last year.
- High fuel costs are prompting travelers like Joshua Newman and Dorothy English to choose trains over driving, citing savings on gas, tolls, and parking expenses.
- Amtrak notes this ridership growth aligns with past patterns where higher fuel prices drive more passengers to rail, emphasizing rail's key role in connecting communities nationwide.
- Brightline's CEO attributes the record March ridership to factors including gas prices, airport security delays, and competitive ticket costs, especially for trips like Miami to Orlando.
- While it is uncertain if railroads will maintain these increased ridership levels when gas prices eventually decline, current trends suggest high fuel costs will continue to influence travel choices in the near term.
