(The Associated Press circulated the following article on October 18.)
OMAHA, Neb. — Ridership on Amtrak increased 8.7 percent in Nebraska in the fiscal year ended in September.
Railroad officials are citing an improved economy, higher gas prices and more reliable service.
Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said that with gas prices ratcheting up, people are looking for travel alternatives. Thus far, Amtrak has not put a fuel price surcharge on its train tickets.
In the 2004 fiscal year, 40,305 people boarded Amtrak in Nebraska, up from more than 37,000 in the same period last year. In 2002, Amtrak recorded more than 34,000 boardings in Nebraska.
Amtrak offers its California Zephyr line between Omaha and Denver, with stops at Hastings, Holdrege, Lincoln and McCook. Fares range between $56 and $109 from Omaha to Denver, depending on the season and discounts.