(The Associated Press circulated the following story on January 5.)
ALTOONA, Pa. — Ridership at the city’s Amtrak station rose again in 2003, with ridership up more than 20 percent since 2000.
During the 2003 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, 29,750 passengers either boarded or disembarked Amtrak trains in Altoona, Amtrak spokesman Dan Stessel said. That’s up from 28,295 during the 2002 fiscal year, and more than 5,000 more passengers than rode Amtrak in fiscal 2000.
Stessel said the improving economy, simplified fares, clearer advertising and reduced concern over terrorism all contributed to the increase, which mirrors rises in Amtrak ridership regionally and nationally.
November ticket sales on the Pennsylvanian route from Pittsburgh through Philadelphia to New York, rose 148 percent from 2002 to 2003, and same-month sales on the Three Rivers route, from Chicago through Philadelphia to New York, rose 47 percent.