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The ridership renaissance continues for passenger-rail agencies. Year-to-date and second-quarter ridership is up for all rail modes, according to data recently released by the American Public Transportation Association.

Heavy-rail systems carried 1.4 billion and 710 million passengers during the year’s first half and second quarter, respectively — a 3.3 percent and 3.8 percent increase compared with similar 2004 periods.

Commuter-rail ridership increased to 205 million during the year’s first-half and 104.9 million in the second quarter, a 1.2 percent and 1.8 percent increase, respectively, compared with similar 2004 periods.

Light-rail ridership increased, as well. Between April and June, light-rail systems carried 32 million passengers, a 9.9 percent increase compared with the same 2004 period. Year-to-date, light-rail ridership reached 177.2 million, rising 7.9 percent.