All aboard! People rode Amtrak trains to the tune of 32.8 million in fiscal 2024, a record representing a 15% increase in ridership versus the previous year.

The millions of riders netted Amtrak $2.5 billion in ticket revenue, a 9% rise compared with fiscal 2023, and $3.6 billion in total operating revenue, the rail operator said in a release Tuesday. A new train service and the expansion of four other routes helped boost the number of riders.

Ridership remains high in the Northeast, where more than half of Amtrak’s customer trips for the fiscal year occurred.

Over 14 million people rode Acela and Northeast Regional Amtrak trains, a 15.9% annual increase. More than 4.8 million others rode on state-supported Amtrak routes in the Northeast, according to the operator’s data.

The increased number of customers dovetailed with Amtrak’s $4.5 billion spending to upgrade its infrastructure across the U.S.

“This record ridership shows that travelers throughout the U.S. want efficient travel options, and we are committed to meeting that demand. Through bold investments, strong partnerships with states and host railroads, and dedicated planning, we are doubling down on our vision to connect more people and communities like never before,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said.

The publicly subsidized for-profit rail company aims to have 66 million riders a year by 2040.

Despite Amtrak’s growth, it’s still losing money, though less than before. In fiscal 2024, the company had $705.2 million in losses, a 9% improvement versus the previous year.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.