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130 bi-level cars ordered for AMTRAK useage

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If a train is full between two points on a run from A to F, i.e. B to D, then it is operating well below capacity between the other points if the overall load factor is 65 per cent. It can attain a 65 per cent load factor without being 100 per cent full.  Amtrak's average load factor for the first 10 months of FY12 was 52.9 per cent, which was down from 53.2 per cent for the corresponding period in FY11. The NEC had an overall load factor of 52.0 per cent, with the Acela trains racking up 62.2 per cent and the NEC regionals coming in at 48.2 per cent. The NEC Special Trains accounted for the difference.  The State Supported and Other Short Distance Corridor Trains had an average load factor of 43.5 per cent, and the long distance trains had an average load factor of 62.8 per cent. The load factor is only part of the story. The NEC had a $302.8 million operating profit through August of FY12.  However, after depreciation, interest, and ancillary charges, it incurred a substantial loss. The long distance trains, with their relatively high average load factor, lost $539.5 million before depreciation, interest, and ancillary charges over the same period.   One way to increase the load factor so that it approximates the load factor for the airlines would be to lower the fares and rack even greater losses. That would not be a good business decision, but it might make for good politics.
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