From the national railroad execs conference Nine Shift keynoted last week, some amazing quotes and statistics from Ray Lang of Amtrak:
* Amtrak is now "overwhelmed with requests from states for new state lines studies," the first step in planning new passenger railroad service in different states.
* Ridership in July 2008 was 2.75 million, another record month. For the year, ridership is up 8% from 25 million to 27 million.
* The big problem is lack of equipment, with Amtrak not able to keep up with the rising demands of the public for more trains and more train service.
* Frank Busalacchi, Sec. of Wisc. Dept. of Transportation, noted that the Hiawatha line from Milwaukee to Chicago is up a whopping 37% over last year.
* Lang summarized the mood at Amtrak by saying things are "very, very good" at Amtrak right now.
Photo: lines at the Milwaukee Amtrak station go almost out the door as passengers wait to get on the train.
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