The first factor is on-time performance. Many factors, from weather, mechanical problems, and the cooperativeness of the parent railroad (usually the railroad owning the track), affect on-time performance. Whatever the cause of the delay, late trains are likely to create dissatisfied customers. For Amtrak passengers traveling for leisure rather than business, on-time performance may be less of a determining influence on rider-ship, unless train connections at one end are imperative.
The second factor is economic climate. A healthy economy is particularly important for Amtrak because much of its traffic involves relatively discretionary travel, which can be postponed or cancelled if people feel uncertain about their financial situations. Also, Amtrak can be expensive compared to other modes of travel such as bus or air. All other things being equal, when travelers have several options, the cost of traveling by any single mode or carrier is likely to be a powerful influence on their choices. This is particularly true for Amtrak, since many of the passengers are traveling for recreational purposes. Discretionary travel of this type can be shifted to other modes, but also may be postponed or cancelled entirely if costs are too high.
A final factor influencing Amtrak's ridership is its rolling stock. Most travelers are concerned with the quality of transportation services to one degree or another. Equipment that is worn out or in shabby condition can be seen as unattractive in an aesthetic sense and may raise concerns about its mechanical reliability.
As one can see, there are many factors (both geographic and non-geographic) that can make passenger rail service a reality in some areas. Amtrak's Northeast Corridor is the best example of short-haul passenger service that works extremely well, since the train is actually the fastest mode of transportation between cites of high population densities, in comparison to both flying and driving along the I-95 corridor.
Brett J. Lucas graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S. in Geography, and California State University East Bay, Hayward with a M.A. in Transportation Geography, and is now a city planner for Vancouver, Washington (USA). Brett developed a strong interest in trains at a young age, leading him to discover hidden treasures of the Pacific Northwest.
