Congressman Neal Highlights Increased Ridership at Springfield Union Station

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joined Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno on Jan. 22 to highlight the increased ridership at Springfield Union Station during FY 2024.

During FY 2023, the total ridership at Springfield Union Station was 149,372. A recent year-end report found that ridership at the station for FY 24 was 191,414 — a 28% increase.

“This is welcomed news, but certainly not a surprise for those of us who are greatly invested in our Commonwealth’s passenger rail system. This is a testament to what we already know to be true — there is a significant demand for improved and expanded passenger rail between Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, and Boston,” Neal said.

“Over a long career, the rehabilitation and reopening of Springfield Union Station is one of my proudest achievements. Since then, we have been steadfast in our efforts to invest in passenger rail, delivering more than $145 million in federal funding thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We are fortunate to have a governor who is committed to this project, and we will continue working with our state and local partners until we deliver west-east rail.”

This report comes after Amtrak announced in December that it achieved an all-time ridership record in FY 24. With 32.8 million customers relying on Amtrak’s services, the demand for passenger rail is being felt nationwide.

“Amtrak’s record ridership in Springfield highlights what we see all across the country — Americans want more trains because they’re one of the safest, most productive and hassle-free ways to get around our great nation,” Gardner said. “We will continue to work with Congressman Neal, the Healey administration, Secretary Tibbits-Nutt, and other partners throughout Massachusetts.”

Tibbits-Nutt added that “the Healey-Driscoll administration is committed to expanding and modernizing passenger rail in the Commonwealth and is pleased to work with the state’s congressional delegation, Amtrak, and other partners to increase service offerings and build the infrastructure to support its vision. The drastic increase in the number of customers using Union Station in Springfield exemplifies the strong public interest in passenger train travel and validates that we have support for the steps we are taking to pursue new initiatives such as Compass Rail and west-east rail.”

Springfield Union Station saw more than 2.6 million visitors come through its doors during FY 24, much of which can be attributed to an increase in rail passengers. Amtrak witnessed a 15% increase in ridership nationwide during FY 24, with an 18% uptick in the Northeast alone. Amtrak’s New Haven-Springfield route, which includes the Valley Flyer, saw more than 577,000 riders, a 30.6% increase from FY 23, while the Vermonter saw more than 109,000 riders, a 12.2% increase.

“I want to thank Congressman Richard E. Neal on his stick-to-itiveness on this major economic development project,” Sarno said. “Our Springfield Union Station is a major intermodal transportation hub that houses state-of-the-art facilities like the Neal Cybersecurity Center, leading to numerous positive spinoff effects for our communities. Once a mayor, always the heart of a mayor, Congressman Neal has delivered once again, and his vision is being realized with positive ridership trends and a boon for transportation initiatives like east-west rail.

“We have long known that there is a need and desire for modern passenger rail travel — ‘if you build it, they will come,’” Sarno added. “My administration is proud of our partnership in working together to get our Union Station established and will continue our ongoing support for its success.”