Sen. Carper Congratulates Amtrak on Achieving Ridership Milestone

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement in response to Amtrak’s announcement that it will set a new all-time record for ridership, exceeding 30 million passengers in a year for the first time in its history:

“The fact that more travelers than ever are choosing Amtrak is a testament to the strides that Amtrak continues to make in improving service quality in Delaware and around the country. Amtrak’s trajectory towards its all-time ridership record proves that more and more Americans recognize that rail service provides an affordable and convenient way to get to work, visit friends and family, or go on vacation. Moreover, rail service helps our nation reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, improves our air quality and eases traffic congestion.

“Amtrak’s ridership has been growing for decades, setting ridership records eight times in the last ten years – and it is only getting stronger. As Amtrak continues to improve its service quality, I am confident that even more people will rely on Amtrak as a high quality transportation option. Our nation needs to strengthen the partnerships between Amtrak and federal and state governments, as well as with the private sector, to help Amtrak continue on its record-breaking path.”

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