Missouri Amtrak route posts ridership gain in FY2013

Amtrak's Missouri River Runner's ridership increased by 5,000 passengers to 196,661 in fiscal-year 2013, the route's sixth consecutive year of ridership growth.

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) officials attributed the increase primarily to improved reliability. On-time delivery stood at 90 percent and customer satisfaction reached 91 percent for the fiscal year, which ended June 30, MoDOT officials said in a press release.

"Significant investments in the corridor and committed efforts by Union Pacific, Amtrak and MoDOT ensure passengers get to their destinations on time and at a very reasonable price," said Michelle Teel, MoDOT's multi-modal operations director.

Ridership growth also has helped boost ticket revenue, which soared 130 percent over the past six years, MoDOT officials said.

The Missouri River Runner serves Kansas City, St. Louis and eight other points in between: Kirkwood, Washington, Hermann, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Lee's Summit and Independence.