Reported by David B. Kutrosky, Managing Director, CCJPA

(Download:  December 2010 Performance Report)

In December, Capitol Corridor was given the gifts of impressive ridership, revenue and on-time performance thresholds, ending the calendar year with an abundance of positive performance results.  Ridership was up 5 percent compared to the same period last year, revenue was up 10 percent and the Capitol Corridor’s on-time performance was 97 percent—number one in the nation!  If public transport is an economic indicator, Capitol Corridor’s holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve) performance clearly shows the economy is improving.
Our December ridership and revenue results can be attributed to steady holiday season travelers, the improving economy and Raider fans heading to and from Oakland Coliseum to see their team in action.  We owe our on-time performance top spot to UPRR’s reliable dispatching, reduced mechanical-related delays and fewer instances of trespasser incidents along our corridor.

We are grateful for our continued positive results and that our customers chose to ride our trains instead of driving cars.  The gift of increased ridership and revenue demonstrates that our business model and commitment to superior customer service attracts a steady stream of new and loyal passengers on Capitol Corridor trains.

As Capitol Corridor trains begin to fill with new riders we want to ensure that every Capitol Corridor passenger’s trip is a pleasant experience.  Loud raucous music, single riders taking up two or more seats, dirty shoes on seats or folks leaving litter behind are not acceptable rider behavior on the Capitol Corridor trains.  To help Amtrak conductors educate passengers on courteous customer conduct, the CCJPA worked with Amtrak staff to create the “Capitol Corridor Ride Guide and Travel Policies,” a brochure aimed to promote positive passenger etiquette by explaining
Capitol Corridor’s passenger code of conduct as well as common Amtrak on-board policies.  The Ride Guide was distributed to the Capitol Corridor fleet last month, so look for it on board.

I’d like to take this time to congratulate CCJPA Chair Bob Franklin and CCJPA Vice Chair Jim Spering as they take the helm of the CCJPA.  Their two-year term began January 1, 2011.  Chair Franklin was former CCJPA vice chair from 2009 to 2010.  He represents part of Contra Costa and Alameda counties and has the distinction of concurrently serving as the Bay Area Rapid Transit District Board President in 2011 as well.  Chair Franklin has served on both Boards since 2004 and brings a wealth of transportation and green initiatives to the dais.

Vice Chair Spering is fondly known as the “father of Capitol Corridor” as he played a key role in establishing the service. He represents Solano County Board of Supervisors.  His leadership has helped redevelop the City of Suisun, strengthen public transit in Northern California and promote smart growth from Solano County to the Bay Area.

Capitol Corridor (December 2010):

• Ridership:  128,895 riders; +5.1% vs. December 2009; +6.2% vs. prior YTD
• Revenue: $2,223,485, +10.2% vs. 2009; 10.3% vs. prior YTD
• On-Time Performance: 97%, (YTD OTP of 95% keeping the service #1 in the nation)
• System Operating Ratio: 48% YTD vs. 45% in FY09; continued growth in ridership and revenue keep ratio at standard
• The Capitol Corridor route continues to be third busiest route in the country, with ridership at 1.61 million for the last 12 months

Pacific Surfliners (December 2010):

• Ridership: 197,656 passengers; +4.7% vs. Dec. 2009, and +4.4% ahead of prior YTD
• Ticket Revenue only: +5.8% vs. Dec. 2009, and +8.5% vs. prior YTD
• On-time performance for Dec. 2010: 69% (YTD FY 2011 on-time performance:78%)

San Joaquin (December 2010):

• Ridership: 87,613 passengers +5.6% vs. Dec. 2009, and +3.4% vs. prior YTD
• Ticket Revenue only: +13.3% vs. Dec. 2009, and +12.9% vs. prior YTD
• On-time performance for Dec. 2010: 94% (YTD FY 2011 on-time performance: 91%).