Capitol Corridor Ridership Skyrockets
OAKLAND (KCBS) – The Capitol Corridor train service has seen double digit growth over the past month, as the spike has correlated with an increase in gas prices.
The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority serves 16 stations, connecting Sacramento, San Francisco and Silicon Valley. And with its on-time performance at well over 90 percent, it remains the best in Amtrak's system nationwide.
"We have been seeing a positive ridership trend over the last 12 months," said Capitol Corridor Managing Director David Kutrosky.
KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:
He said year-over-year, monthly increases have been averaging in the 5 to 10 percent range, but the numbers have spiked with the rise in gas prices.
"In February 2011 compared to February 2010, we saw a 14 percent increase," said Kutrosky.
He said the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority is scrambling to make sure there is enough equipment and rail cars available with the increased demand.
"If gas prices continue to rise, we're expecting to see continued crowding," he said. "This is not like a transit service where you can stand for your 20 minute ride. Most of the people riding on our trains are traveling for up to an hour and a half."
The Capitol Corridor service offers an alternate travel route along the I-80, 680 and 880 freeways.
(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
