More Northern California Drivers Ditched Cars in January to Ride Capitol Corridor Instead

Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) officials announced a new ridership threshold was set last month, making January 2011 performance the best of any January in the history of the service. “130,860 passengers rode our trains last month, which is an 11 percent increase compared to the 117,860 who boarded Capitol Corridor trains in January 2010.” CCJPA Chair Bob Franklin said. “The double-digit spike in ridership helped the Capitol Corridor achieve a 13 percent increase in revenue.”

In the last 12 months the Capitol Corridor has carried 1.62 million riders, which is a four percent increase compared to February 2009 through January 2010.

Why the Increase?

Capitol Corridor officials attribute the rise in ridership and revenue to its stellar on-time performance, as well as its exceptional customer service and affordable fares. “Our 96 percent on-time performance puts us at the top spot in the nation for reliable passenger rail service,” Franklin added. “Our on-time performance, train frequency, comfortable and stress-free rides combined with rising gas prices make Capitol Corridor a viable, green and affordable alternative to driving.”

Reinvesting $3.75 Million to enhance customer service

Capitol Corridor has a long tradition of reinvesting dollars toward customer amenities. “By the end of 2011, the CCJPA will fulfill our passengers’ number one requested amenity: free wireless internet access on our trains,” CCJPA Managing Director David Kutrosky said. “We finally got funding for this project thanks to a decision by the California Transportation Commission (CTC), which allows $3.75 million in cost savings from one Capitol Corridor project to be used to fund an on-board wireless system.”

“Given today’s challenges in securing public financing, the CCJPA appreciates the CTC’s decision to use these cost savings to install our long-awaited wireless program. Business model forecasts indicate that offering free wireless internet service on our trains will attract more riders, thereby increasing system ridership and revenue,” Kutrosky added. “This is a winning scenario for the communities we serve because more people on trains mean fewer cars on the road and cleaner air.”