Recent numbers show Amtrak ridership in and out of Jefferson City has remained relatively flat, and Missouri Department of Transportation officials recently announced discounts aimed at attracting riders.
In fiscal year 2017, 25,280 passengers either arrived or departed out of Jefferson City, compared to 25,197 in fiscal year 2018.
State fiscal years run from July 1-June 30, so fiscal year 2018 will end June 30.
There were 170,892 passengers on Missouri River Runner train in fiscal year 2017, about 1,000 fewer than in 2016.
The top four stations by percentage of ridership are Kansas City, St. Louis, Kirkwood and Jefferson City.
"A significant amount of maintenance work in June and July 2017 caused a decline in on-time performance in the first quarter, but it rebounded with improved performance in the second quarter to 83 percent, and it was at 94 percent in March," MoDOT Railroad Operations Manager Kristi Jamison said. "As far as the most immediate upgrades, the host railroads (Union Pacific, Kansas City Terminal Railroad and Terminal Railroad of St. Louis) continue to work on the implementation of Positive Train Control, which will be an important factor in system safety."
Positive Train Control allows a train to receive information about how safe it is to travel along a route. A GPS system tracks train movements. Railroad officials said this will allow for trains to be better separated out for travel and should help limit possibilities for collisions.
This year, River Runner trains are being pulled by two new diesel-electric locomotives. They are preparing to replace their whole fleet of passenger cars on the route, six in all, by 2020. Officials said some of the current cars have been around since the 1970s. They believe the ride should be improved with new seats and safety measures. The cars also will have lifts allowing people in wheelchairs easier access.
Jamison said MoDOT is in negotiations with Amtrak for the fiscal year 2019-20 contract, but it appears they will be able to hold the line on costs to where it will be similar to the cost for 2018.
Revenue in 2017 was $5.9 million, up from $5.6 million in 2016. There was a 5 percent increase in fares in 2017 and 2018.
The state appropriation for 2018 was $9.1 million, after a $500,000 restriction from Gov. Eric Greitens. MoDOT's 2019 budget request for Amtrak operations was $15.1 million. Since 1979, the sole funding for the two cross-state trains between Kansas City and St. Louis comes from the Legislature and fares.
One of the discounts now being offered to increase ridership is the Kids Ride Free offer, which applies to weekend travel on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for children ages 2-12 when accompanied by a full-fare paid adult. The discount is available for travel through Aug. 26.
The Midweek Fare sale provides adults with a 25 percent discount when booking a seat on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday for travel through Oct. 31.
These discount offers are available at amtrak.com/deals. Reservations are required at least one day in advance of travel on the River Runner.