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For those looking to go “carless” and find alternative ways to travel, there is good news: many railroads are currently flourishing. Additionally, for those who go carless for reasons regarding the environment and traffic reduction, many others are joining you, and it’s working. Firstly, there is Amtrak, which despite some controversy and shortcomings, carried approximately 30.2 million passengers in 2011 – the highest ridership in the company’s 40 year history. Will Phillipson of SilverRail Technologies believes that awareness was key in this increase, as more and more people are learning of the ease of rail travel and choosing it over driving or flying. Joseph Schwieterman, professor at DePaul University and transportation expert, feels that “rail is increasingly part of a lifestyle choice,” such as going carless. Amtrak’s service in the Northeast corridor has already helped to lessen the traffic in this busy area, which will likely continue now that the Federal Railroad Administration has announced over $700 million in grants to speed up the train even further.
Amtrak’s Cascades Service connecting Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, British Columbia is also flourishing – ridership increased 10% in 2010, marking a trend towards more passenger rail usage in the Oregon area. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood granted the service nearly $14 million in funding, which he believes will “[provide] more efficient and rail service [and] a stronger economic future,” as well as further reduce congestion.
Besides Amtrak, there are other passenger railroads experiencing success as of late such as Metro-North, Rail Runner Express, and SEPTA. Metro-North’s New Haven, Harlem and Hudson lines are projected to provide 81.9 million rides in 2012 and 87.4 million by 2015, surpassing the Long Island Railroad as the busiest commuter railroad in North America. The Rail Runner Express of New Mexico, servicing the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas since 2006, is also thriving. They recently celebrated their 5 millionth rider – impressive for a relatively young, small commuter line. Lastly there is the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA, which operates trains, buses, and trolleys. 334 million trips were taken via SEPTA over the past 12 months, its highest number of passengers since 1989. The drastic increase occurred despite recent fare increases, showing the strong influence that rising gas prices and an ailing economy can have on choosing rail transportation over driving.
These railroads have experienced their fare share of negative publicity and financial hardship – yet they still have increasing ridership and are being granted funding. Some are even small and located in somewhat more rural areas, such as the Amtrak Cascades and Rail Runner Express, yet they are still managing to grow in ridership. All of this highlights the importance the government is placing on keeping public transportation alive and thriving, and the commitment of those choosing trains over cars to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. It is obviously an effort with much dedication and stamina behind it, and the carless crowd should be very pleased.
— By Elena Lathrop – www.Railroad.net
