More travelers rode on Amtrak last fiscal year than ever as the passenger rail system accelerated its spending before a more skeptical group of lawmakers assumes power—and control of its funding—in Washington next year.
Amtrak completed nearly 33 million customer trips in fiscal 2024, poured $4.5 billion into infrastructure projects, expanded train service and reduced operating losses. Top leaders at Amtrak touted the year as evidence that the rail corporation is on a path of improvement. However, some Republicans—who take full control of Congress next month—have long questioned Amtrak’s funding levels.
“Congress expects us to serve passengers well, they want ...