Reported by David B. Kutrosky, Managing Director, CCJPA

The Capitol Corridor ridership results for June 2010 were the best month yet for the fiscal year reporting period.  Ridership for June was 7.0% above June 2009 and exceeded business plan projection by 13%.  Revenue continued its positive trend with +11.5% growth over June 2009 (and +4.5% over business plan projection).  On-time performance (OTP) was 91.4% – continuing the Capitol Corridor’s streak as the most reliable train service in the Amtrak system for June 2010 as well as fiscal year-to-date.  The UPRR dispatching team did a remarkable job to recover from service delays/disruptions associated with the final signal construction for the Emeryville Station Track Improvement Project that occurred June 5-7, 2010.  OTP was 82% through June 7, 2010 and improved to a month end OTP of 91%.

Once again, this growth and positive results continue despite the three furlough Fridays per month for all state employees are still in effect.  (Note:  This furloughs are expected to be rescinded starting July 1, 2010.)

Based on staff observations and passenger comments, the quality of the train ride has been enhanced and mid-station OTP has improved. The CCJPA is now focused on addressing delays that can be attributed to mechanical failures (primarily locomotive prime mover/head-end power and cab car controls) and drawbridge openings.   With continued high reliability and maintaining a focus on passenger safety, we should continue to experience positive results in Capitol Corridor service performance.
(Download:  June 2010 Performance Report)

Capitol Corridor (June 2010):

• Ridership: 140,941 riders; +7.0% vs. June 2009; -3.1% vs. prior YTD; -1.2% vs. FY10 Plan; -1.9% compared to 2 years ago
• Revenue: +11.5% vs. June 2009; +1.9% vs. prior YTD; -3.8% vs. FY10 Plan
• On-Time Performance: 91%; YTD result of 92% keeping the service #1 in the nation for multi-frequency trains.
• System Operating Ratio: 48% YTD vs. 47% in FY09; expenses remain under control, while revenue is still below plan
• The Capitol Corridor route still continues to be third busiest route in the country, with ridership at 1.56 million for the last 12 months

Pacific Surfliners (June 2010):

• Ridership: 209,810 passengers; +1.4% vs. June 2009, and +1.2% ahead of prior YTD; remains second busiest route in the nation, by a wide margin.
• Ticket Revenue only: +6.3% vs. June 2009, and +5.7% vs. prior YTD
• On-time performance for June 2010:  71% (YTD FY 2010 on-time performance: 79%)

San Joaquins (June 2010):

• Ridership: 88,638 passengers  +9.4% vs. June 2009, and +5.6% vs. prior YTD; one of longest streaks of positive growth in Amtrak system
• Ticket Revenue only: +20.2%  vs. June 2009, and +11.3% vs. prior YTD
• On-time performance for June 2010:  87%  (YTD FY 2010 on-time performance: 90%)