Table 16 Amtrak On-Time Performance Trends and Hours of Delay by Cause
Table 16 Amtrak On-Time Performance Trends and Hours of Delay by Cause
| 1980 | 1985 | 1990 | 1995 | 2000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-time performance | |||||
| Total system | 69% | 81% | 76% | 76% | 78% |
| Short distance (<400 miles) | 71% | 82% | 82% | 81% | 81% |
| Long distance (>=400 miles) | 64% | 78% | 53% | 57% | 56% |
| Hours of delay by causea | |||||
| Amtrakb | N | N | 3,565 | 5,527 | 20,187 |
| Freightc | N | N | 4,244 | 11,224 | 33,718 |
| Otherd | N | N | 4,316 | 8,497 | 14,718 |
| Totale | N | N | 12,126 | 25,248 | 68,623 |
a Amtrak changed its method for reporting delays in 2000. Therefore, 2000 data are not comparable to prior years.
b Includes equipment malfunctions, train servicing in stations, and passenger-related delays.
c Includes maintenance of way/slow orders, freight train interference, signal delays.
d Includes passenger train interference, waiting for connections, running time, weather-related delays, and miscellaneous.
e Numbers may not add to totals due to rounding.
Notes: All percentages are based on Amtrak's fiscal year (Oct. 1-Sept. 30).
Amtrak trips are considered delayed based on the following chart:
| Trip length (miles) | Arrival time delay (minutes) |
|---|---|
| 0-250 | 10 |
| 251-350 | 15 |
| 351-450 | 20 |
| 451-550 | 25 |
| > 551 | 30 |
Source: Various sources, as cited in USDOT, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, National Transportation Statistics 2002 (Washington, DC: 2002), table 1-66.