As People start their Thanksgiving travels, Amtrak has set a brand new file.
The corporate supplied 34.5 million buyer journeys in fiscal 12 months 2025, up 6% 12 months over 12 months.
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“We’re working really hard to put a better product out there every day, increase capacity and get schedules that are more convenient for customers to take,” he additionally famous.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy mentioned in a latest press launch that there’s a brilliant future forward for transportation and trains.
Amtrak broke ridership information with 34.5 million journeys in fiscal 2025. The corporate is advising People to e book promptly for Thanksgiving journey. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Photographs)
“Faster trains, more affordable service and extended routes are opening up a new era of American rail,” mentioned Duffy.
Amtrak can be introducing its new Airo trains in 2026, which is able to present fashionable seating, larger restrooms and a “contemporary food service experience.”
Harris mentioned, “The Airo service that comes out next year is going to be replacing trains that are 50 years old.”
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With Thanksgiving practically right here, Harris mentioned the all-time file they’re seeing embraces vacation journey as properly.
“It’s the busiest time of year here at Amtrak,” mentioned Harris. “We ask customers to try to pack light, because the trains are going to be really full.”
Passengers ought to keep in mind that trains shut two minutes earlier than departure, he mentioned. “You don’t want to leave it till the very last minute to get on the train.”
Harris mentioned practice journey shouldn’t be as hectic as flying — there’s no want, for instance, to point out up two hours earlier than departure. Nonetheless, vacationers ought to “plan on being there in time and getting on the train before we leave.”
Practically 82 million individuals are anticipated to journey over Thanksgiving, in response to AAA.
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Harris mentioned folks ought to e book “as soon as” they know their vacation plans.
“The good thing about Amtrak is that we’re very flexible in terms of our ticketing,” he mentioned. “You’re also able to change your tickets on the app in case something comes up at the last minute.”
Practically 82 million individuals are anticipated to journey over Thanksgiving this season. Union Station in Washington, D.C., is proven above. (Invoice Clark/Roll Name/Getty Photographs)
To this point this month, there was file chilly climate within the East, lake-effect snow across the Nice Lakes and unsettled climate throughout the West, in response to FOX Climate.
Harris mentioned Amtrak takes many measures to make sure winter journey is as secure and handy as doable.
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“We do things like winterize the trains beforehand to make sure that they don’t freeze up,” he mentioned. “That can be a problem in these extreme weather events. We also make sure our stations are properly maintained for things like slips and falls.”
He added, “It goes back to the whole point about being prepared, making sure that people get to the station in plenty of time, so that they don’t risk difficult weather conditions.”
“If you can travel on trains at less popular times a day, you can save money,” mentioned Amtrak’s president. (Amtrak)
Just lately, some clients have taken to social media to name out Amtrak’s pricing.
“Amtrak is a scam,” wrote one particular person on X. “Why [are] there $360+ tickets for the same route I paid $25 for yesterday?”
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One other person wrote, “I know Amtrak prices are famously fickle, but I think this is the funniest disparity I’ve ever seen.” The individual shared a photograph of a $20 practice ticket — and one other ticket priced at $236.
Harris mentioned that “it’s true that with the tremendous interest we have in train travel today, trains are really full and that does have the impact of driving up prices.”
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He additionally famous the corporate’s versatile pricing constructions.
“If you can travel on trains at less popular times a day, you can save money. So, we really suggest that people shop around before they buy their ticket.”
