ATLANTIC CITY RAIL SERVICE: HAS THE GAMBLE PAID OFF?

When Amtrak began its rail service to Atlantic City, New Jersey this past May, it was expected to carry some 3.000 passengers per day. It has yet to come close to this estimate. Six round trips are offered: four out of Philadelphia, one out of New Haven/New York and one, the most successful one, out of Washington, D.C. Atlantic City's casino troubles, several are in financial trouble, limited attractions outside of the casinos, limited hotel room availability, and poor shuttle service from train station to casinos, tha absence of incentives being offered by other casinos, Harrah's is the only one currently offering rebates, have all contributed to the poor ridership level. Amtrak, however, has not given up yet. It is trying to entice riders by changing schedules and routes, extending some of its current routes to other cities, and reducing round-trip fares. Although Congress had originally mandated that the Atlantic City service cover certain operating percentages in progressive years of operation, it has extended the original deadline until May 1991.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: https://www.library.northwestern.edu/find-borrow-request/requests-interlibrary-loan/lending-institutions.html
• Authors:
  • Scull, T W
• Publication Date: 1990-3

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 24-26
• Serial:
  • Modern Railroads
  • Volume: 45
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: K-III Press, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0736-2064

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Incentives; Railroad commuter service; Ridership
• Geographic Terms: Atlantic City (New Jersey)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00493745
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 1990 12:00AM