Increases in passengers at places like Galesburg helped Amtrak achieve an all-time ridership record in Fiscal Year 2024.
Amtrak welcomed a historic 32.8 million customers this year as demand for passenger rail service continues to grow in markets across the nation.
Among those markets is Galesburg, which according to Amtrak, saw ridership numbers of 69,579 in Fiscal Year 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Sept. 2024), a 15% increase over the 60,368 in 2023. Ridership figures represent the combined number of passengers ticketed to Galesburg and ticketed from Galesburg.
While Galesburg’s numbers are up year over year, the 2024 total is not a record. According to Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari, Galesburg had ridership of 100,000-plus several times in the 20-teens.
Amtrak’s all-time record 32.8 million customer trips this year represent a 15% increase over FY23.
“Breaking our ridership record is just the beginning,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. “This record ridership shows that travelers throughout the U.S. want efficient travel options, and we are committed to meeting that demand.
“Through bold investments, strong partnerships with states and host railroads, and dedicated planning, we are doubling down on our vision to connect more people and communities like never before.”
Here is how Galesburg compares to other stops along the Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr routes:
City 2024 2023
Chicago 11.77% 3,042,809 2,722,448
LaGrange 24.24% 8,892 7,157
Naperville 18.15% 30,704 25,987
Plano 24.83% 5,289 4,237
Mendota 26.22% 15,963 12,647
Princeton 32.95% 26,481 19,918
Kewanee 16.49% 11,050 9,486
Galesburg 15.26% 69,579 60,368
Macomb 18.61% 44,122 37,199
Quincy 23.11% 28,226 22,928
‘A vital role in boosting tourism’
Local tourism and economic development officials say they value what Amtrak service to Galesburg brings to the city and the region.
Randy Newcomb, executive director of Galesburg Tourism and Visitors Bureau, tells WGIL, “We are extremely fortunate to have Amtrak in our community. It plays a vital role in boosting Galesburg’s tourism by providing a sustainable and accessible transportation option for visitors.
“Visitation to Galesburg via Amtrak from the Chicago market has increased 44% in 2024 over 2023, and we will continue to market the easy access to Galesburg that Amtrak provides for continued growth in 2025.”
Amtrak says it hopes to double ridership to 66 million by 2040.
Ken Springer, president of Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development, says his organization highlights the availability of Amtrak service to companies it engages with from outside of the region.
“The service is valuable for businesses that need to be connected with Chicago and the frequency of daily trains gives plenty of options to travel between Galesburg and Chicago,” Springer said. “It’s also a key quality of life amenity, which helps sell the community as a place to live.”
