1/28/2013

Amtrak Article
Capitol Corridor ridership dipped, revenue rose in December and first fiscal quarter

The Capitol Corridor posted a 6.2 percent drop in ridership in December and a 2.6 percent decline in the first quarter of fiscal-year 2013 compared with the same periods a year ago, Capitol Corridor officials announced Friday.

Although ridership declined in both periods, revenue increased 4.6 percent in December — setting a monthly record — and 4.4 percent in the quarter, said Managing Director David Kutrosky in a prepared statement.

"Records for revenue have been set each month this quarter," he said.

Also during the quarter, the system's operating ratio was 51 percent and on-time performance reached 94 percent.

"While the [Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority] is taking actions with its service partners to address recent increases in delay and service disruptions from mechanical malfunctions and trespasser/grade crossing incidents, on-time performance for the first quarter is still at the same superior level it was last year, keeping the Capitol Corridor as one of the most reliable trains in the Amtrak systems," said Kutrosky.

In December, ridership on the Pacific Surfliner rose 6.8 percent to 203,229 riders and ticket revenue jumped 14 percent compared with December 2011. On the San Joaquin line, December ridership soared 9.5 percent to 199,936 riders, while ticket revenue climbed 6.5 percent year over year.