Amtrak poll shows strong support for passenger rail

Amtrak published survey findings this week that demonstrate strong support from American voters for continued passenger-rail investments, including infrastructure renewal and service expansion.

Commissioned by Amtrak to gauge America’s interest in intercity passenger-rail service, findings show consistent support for passenger rail across geographic location, age, race and gender, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

Among the survey highlights:

• 92% of respondents said it’s important for the United States to invest in passenger rail safety and service improvements;
• 86% believe in the importance of a strong American passenger-rail system;
• 83% support passenger-rail investments identified by Congress in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (i.e. modern trains, aging tunnel and bridge replacements, new routes); and
• 81% want their state to invest in bringing more passenger-rail service to their local area.

"With strong support from every region in the country, Amtrak is working closely with our various state and host railroad partners to meet the many demands for train travel," said Amtrak Vice President of Network Development Nicole Bucich.

The 2023 survey was conducted by the Mellman Group and polled 1,000 registered U.S. voters. View the executive summary here.