Amtrak Report Good News for Windsor Rail Project

Since the announcement of plans to develop Windsor's rail station into a larger hub of locomotive travel that accommodates high-speed rail travel, on concern has been constant: If we build it, will they come?

Amtrak's financials haven't always been the strongest over the past years, giving rise to questions over whether or not the town should invest in a mode of transportation that some may deem antiquated.

A recent announcement made by the train company may ease some concerns, as they say ridership is on the rise.

In fact, the company reported its best months ever.

According to Amtrak, the company's ridership "is surging this year with 11 consecutive monthly ridership records."

July, the company reported was its best month ever in terms of ridership, and it expects September to be a new record as well.

"All across America the demand to travel by Amtrak is strong, growing and undeniable," Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman said. "Amtrak continues to deliver on its mission to fulfill a vital national transportation need and does so with improved management and financial health."

Total ridership is up 3.4 percent from last year, according to the company, which if sustained would allow the company to surpass its current record for annual ridership of 30.2 million passengers.

Windsor's rail development project has been aided by .

The project will require the construction of new high-level platforms and a second track parallel to the existing rails. It will also require a number of smaller maintenance and rehabilitation projects to bridges and drainage structures and systems along Windsor's portion of the rail line.

Plans have also included the construction of a multi-level parking facility behind Town Hall.

Windsor's train station is one of the 12 planned stops on the New-Haven-Hartford-Springfield commuter rail line that the state hopes to have operational by 2016.