Amtrak Marks a Year of Growth in 2025

Amtrak has reported its Fiscal Year 2025 results, highlighting continued growth in ridership, revenue and network development across the United States.

The company recorded its highest number of annual passenger journeys and operating revenue to date, reflecting sustained interest in rail travel and progress in modernising services.

According to Amtrak, 34.5 million customer trips were made between October 2024 and September 2025, representing a 5.1% increase on the previous year. Adjusted ticket revenue reached 2.7 billion USD, while total operating revenue rose to 3.9 billion USD. Passenger demand remained strong across the network, supported by a 4.3% rise in system capacity.

Adjusted operating earnings improved by 15.1% year-on-year to –598.4 million USD, and Amtrak reiterated its target of achieving operational profitability by FY28.

Amtrak President Roger Harris said:

Amtrak’s operational success is not just about moving more people — it’s about moving them better. These results show what’s possible when we lead with purpose. By prioritising reliability and the customer experience, we’re laying the foundation for the next generation of passenger rail in America.

Amtrak reported improvements in several service-quality measures. Northeast Regional services recorded their strongest on-time performance in recent years during September, while customer-service indicators such as Wi-Fi quality, onboard catering, service notifications and station signage all met or exceeded internal targets.

The company introduced new cleaning facilities in Seattle, Boston, New Orleans and Chicago, aimed at improving train presentation.

Ridership Trends Across the Network

Rising demand was reported across the Northeast Corridor, State Supported routes and Long Distance services. Pacific Surfliner, Amtrak Cascades, Borealis and Empire Service routes all recorded increases, while trains such as the California Zephyr, Sunset Limited and Coast Starlight saw steady patronage.

The Amtrak Guest Rewards loyalty scheme passed 20 million enrolled members, who now account for more than half of all journeys.

Service Expansion

Several new and expanded services contributed to network growth. Amtrak Mardi Gras Service between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans launched during the year, carrying more than 18,000 passengers in its first month and restoring Gulf Coast rail service for the first time in nearly two decades. The Borealis route between the Twin Cities and Chicago completed its first full year with nearly a quarter of a million riders.

In the western United States, the Winter Park Express added extra operating days to meet seasonal demand. In Virginia, ground was broken on the New River Valley Rail Project, which will extend Amtrak Virginia service beyond Roanoke.

Fleet Modernisation

Amtrak progressed several fleet-renewal programmes in FY25. The NextGen Acela entered service on the Northeast Corridor, carrying more than 60,000 passengers in its first month.

The first Airo trainset was shipped for testing in Colorado, while new ALC-42 diesel locomotives continued deployment on Long Distance services. The Superliner refurbishment programme reached 87% completion, delivering upgrades to interiors and onboard amenities.

Capital Investment and Infrastructure Projects

The company invested 5.5 billion USD in capital projects during FY25, a 24% increase on the previous year. Spending included 1.1 billion USD for maintenance of track, electrification, signalling and structures.

Progress continued on several major long-term projects, including the Portal North Bridge, Connecticut River Bridge, East River Tunnel rehabilitation and upgrades to Philadelphia’s William H. Gray III 30th Street Station.

Further work was undertaken on the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing in New York and on the B&P Tunnel Replacement Programme. Amtrak and its partners also advanced accessibility improvements as part of a nationwide programme to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements by 2029.

Station and Facility Development

Amtrak reported upgrades to key stations, including Washington Union Station, Chicago Union Station and Philadelphia 30th Street Station. A new track and platform opened at Washington Union Station, expanding capacity for Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express. Work also progressed on new maintenance facilities in Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., in preparation for the introduction of Airo trainsets.

Safety Initiatives and Workforce Development

Safety reporting increased through the Amtrak Voluntary Safety Reporting System, with more than 1,400 reports submitted. The company also took part in national railway-safety campaigns, including Operation Clear Track.

Leadership appointments and organisational changes were made during the year, alongside continued investment in early-career recruitment programmes.

Looking Ahead

Amtrak expects continued fleet introduction, customer-experience improvements and infrastructure progress in FY26. The company aims to build on FY25 performance as it prepares for wider deployment of NextGen Acela and the introduction of Airo trains, supporting its longer-term goal of operational profitability by 2028.