Amtrak Ridership Rising ANN ARBOR (Michigan Radio) -


Amtrak ridership is way up in Michigan, but not as much as other parts of the country.

The number of people riding Amtrak trains in Michigan increased by about 8 percent between October and June. Nationwide the increase is more than 11 percent. And in the Midwest, some of Amtrak's major Chicago routes are seeing increases of more than 20 percent.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari says part of the reason why our state's numbers are lagging is because the rail service can't add any additional passenger cars in Michigan. He says that means there are fewer seats for more and more passengers.

"We have so much demand for Amtrak service and a fleet size that hasn't changed markedly in many years," says Magliari.

Magliari says Congress is debating giving Amtrak more money to increase capacity. But, it will be several years at least before Amtrak will be able to buy new passenger cars. © Copyright 2009, Michigan Radio