Boom Year

2008: A Boom Year for U.S. Passenger Railroads

Two thousand eight may have been a bad year for the economy, but it was a great year for the United States' passenger railroads, notwithstanding the horrific crash in Chatsworth, Calif., on Sept. 12 that killed 25 people. [...]

Gasoline prices increased rapidly through July, accounting for much of this, of course, but ridership did not decline along with the gasoline price collapse that began in mid-July. This upholds the conventional wisdom that once people try the train, they stick with it.

Hopefully, the large turnout for the Rail Runners' service to Santa Fe indicates continued success for the Railway.