Amtrak sees record ridership following infrastructure investments

Amtrak has experienced significant growth, reporting record ridership for two consecutive years. In fiscal 2026, the passenger rail service carried nearly 24 million passengers. This increase is attributed to a $22 billion investment in infrastructure, including new trains, stations, tunnels, and tracks, facilitated by the Biden administration’s infrastructure law. Successful new services have also been implemented in the Midwest and on the Gulf Coast.

Nationwide, train travel is seeing increased popularity. In 2025, Amtrak ridership reached 34.5 million people, representing a 5.1 percent increase from the previous year. Travelers have cited the avoidance of TSA lines and parking difficulties as primary reasons for the shift toward rail travel.