Amtrak Breaks Ridership Record Amid Thanksgiving Travel Surge
Amtrak has reported a significant milestone, serving 34.5 million customer trips in fiscal 2025, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous year. “There’s a genuine interest in passenger rail travel across the nation,” Amtrak President Roger Harris noted in a conversation with Fox News Digital.
On the topic of future developments, Harris mentioned, “We’re diligently working to introduce better services, enhance production capacity, and offer more convenient schedules for our travelers.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also expressed optimistic sentiments, suggesting transit and rail systems have a promising future ahead.
According to Duffy, “Faster trains, more affordable options, and extended lines are heralding a new era for American transportation.” Amtrak has plans to debut new Airo trains in 2026, which promise modern seating arrangements, larger restrooms, and an upgraded food service experience. Harris remarked on the necessity of this transition: “The Airo service set to launch next year will be replacing trains that are over 50 years old.”
As Thanksgiving approaches, Harris emphasizes that this surge in ridership is particularly pronounced during the holiday season. “This is our busiest time of year, so we really advise passengers to pack light,” he said.
It’s expected that nearly 82 million individuals will be traveling this Thanksgiving season, according to AAA. Harris encouraged travelers to finalize their holiday plans promptly, “The benefit of Amtrak is the flexibility with ticketing,” he stated, adding that changes can easily be made via their app, accommodating last-minute adjustments.
As a travel tip, Harris reminded travelers that trains close boarding two minutes before departure. This underscores the need to arrive on time. He noted that train travel generally involves less stress than flying, as it doesn’t require arriving hours in advance. Still, punctuality remains important.
This month has brought some unpredictable weather, with cold temperatures affecting the East Coast and snow around the Great Lakes, leading to concerns for travelers. Harris assured that Amtrak is implementing measures to ensure safe winter travel, including preparing trains against freezing and maintaining stations to prevent slips and falls.
However, Amtrak is not without its criticisms. Some customers have expressed concerns over ticket pricing on social media, highlighting stark price disparities for similar routes. Harris acknowledged that there’s been a significant interest in rail travel, impacting prices. He encourages travelers to consider less busy times for potentially better rates: “Doing your research could lead to savings.”
Amtrak’s flexible pricing structure is worth exploring, especially during this high-demand period. As the holiday travel rush kicks in, it’s clear that many are looking forward to safer, more convenient ways to reach their destinations.
