Capitol Corridor Shatters Ridership Records for the Third Month in a Row

Rising Gas Prices & Improving Economy Help to Fill Seats

Train Ridership in March Increases 11%

Capitol Corridor’s March 2011 performance report is in and for the third consecutive month double-digit ridership increases continue as an improving economy and rising fuel costs help to fill train seats. “As gasoline prices soar, more and more drivers are seeking affordable ways to travel, not only to save gas, but to avoid exorbitant parking fees and increased bridge tolls as well,” Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority Chair Bob Franklin said. “Last month, a remarkable 148,198 passengers boarded our trains compared to 133,987 during the same period last year.”

“As gasoline creeps above $4 a gallon, 11 percent more Northern California travelers made the choice to dump the pump and ride the rails instead,” Franklin added. “We anticipate this scenario will have similar results as 2008, when gas prices skyrocketed and public transit reached an all time high. Despite the sharp gas price decrease in 2009, Capitol Corridor ridership did not follow suit, meaning many of those who made the choice in 2008 to try our trains, stayed on trains.”

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