Ridership on Amtrak's Vermonter has been climbing for several years, but last month's figures are in and they show a sharp 35% increase from June of 2009. Our observations are that this is continuing this month as well. Conductors are reporting trains full to holiday peak levels on Fridays and Sundays even when it isn't a holiday!
A marketing campaign in Vermont is now entering it's second year. Apparently it is bringing results!
Not only has ridership gone up by 35%, but revenue has increased even further, by 44%, reflecting increased pricing power in the markets served. The state of Vermont pays Amtrak to operate the train and because of the increased ticket revenue, it has saved $750,000 -- about five times the cost of the marketing.
The increase in ridership has not been equal at every station. At Essex Junction, ridership is up 78%. Waterbury is up 53%. Brattleboro and White River Junction are up only 29% and 35%.
