Table 1-66: Amtrak On-Time Performance Trends and Hours of Delay by Cause
Table 1-66: Amtrak On-Time Performance Trends and Hours of Delay by Cause
| 1980 | 1985 | 1990 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-time performance, total percent (weighted) | 69% | 81% | 76% | 76% | 71% | 74% | 79% | 79% | 78% |
| Short distance (<400 miles), percent | 71% | 82% | 82% | 81% | 76% | 79% | 81% | 80% | 81% |
| Long distance (>=400 miles), percent | 64% | 78% | 53% | 57% | 49% | 53% | 59% | 61% | 56% |
| Hours of delay by cause, total | N | N | 12,126 | 25,248 | 25,056 | 25,825 | 27,289 | 29,252 | 68,623 |
| Amtraka,b | N | N | 3,565 | 5,527 | 5,193 | 5,310 | 4,796 | 4,891 | 20,187 |
| Freightc | N | N | 4,244 | 11,224 | 11,438 | 12,904 | 14,202 | 16,158 | 33,718 |
| Otherd | N | N | 4,316 | 8,497 | 8,425 | 7,611 | 8,291 | 8,203 | 14,718 |
KEY: N = data do not exist.
a Amtrak changed its method for reporting delays in 2000. Therefore, 2000 data are not comparable with prior years.
b Amtrak delays include equipment malfunctions, train servicing in stations, and passenger-related delays.
c Freight delays include maintenance of way/slow orders, freight train interference, and signal delays.
d Other delays include passenger train interference, waiting for connections, running time, weather-related delays, and miscellaneous.
NOTES
Numbers may not add to totals due to roundings.
All percentages are based on Amtrak's fiscal year (October 1-September 30).
Amtrak trips are considered delayed based on the following chart:
| Trip length (miles) | Delayed departure time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| 0-250 | 10 |
| 251-350 | 15 |
| 351-450 | 20 |
| 451-550 | 25 |
| >551 | 30 |
SOURCES:
On-time performance:
1980: Amtrak, National Railroad Passenger Corporation Annual Report (Washington, DC: 1981).
1985-2000: Ibid., Amtrak Annual Report, Statistical Appendix (Washington, DC: Annual issues).
Hours of Delay:
1980: Amtrak, National Railroad Passenger Corporation Annual Report (Washington, DC: 1981).
1985-99: Ibid., Amtrak Annual Report, Statistical Appendix (Washington, DC: Annual issues).
2000: Amtrak, personal communication, Dec. 4, 2001.