Amtrak boardings up 40 percent

Amtrak has announced an increase in ridership on a national and local level.

According to a press release, boardings in Mc-Cook have increased from 2,443 in fiscal year 2003 to 3,423 in fiscal year 2004 -- a 40.1 percent increase.

Nationally, ridership has increased by 4.3 percent or more than one million passengers.

"We are very happy with our ridership numbers. The increases have been across all our services -- corridor trains as well as long-distance trains," said David L. Gunn, Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer.

"The numbers show that people like their trains, and our challenge in the near term is to keep our costs under control while improving the service for our passengers.

According to the report, boardings in Hastings increased by 7.8 percent, in Holdrege boardings were down by .2 percent. Lincoln boardings were up 13.5 percent and there was an increase of 4.1 percent in Omaha.

Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail services to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 22,000-mile route system.

For schedules, fares and information call (800) 872-7245 or visit http://www.amtrak.com.