#ridership

#ridership

A record-breaking number of riders are expected to board light rail trains for Super Bowl LX, with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority projected to spend $3.8 million to run extra trains and boost security. VTA is planning to add 22 extra light rail trains to transport football fans to and from Levi's Stadium on Feb. 8, operating at about 90% of its maximum capacity.

Despite employer policy changes in Fall 2025 requiring more in-office workdays, no significant ridership increase has been observed. In fact, Fall 2025 ridership slightly declined versus expectations,

So why do so many people still treat it as a failure - and what would it take to shift the dialogue and deliver the rail investment that American riders deserve? We love this video essay from Wendover Productions, which offers a nuanced take on why headlines about disappointing new Acela trains and political posturing about Amtrak's "failure" to turn a profit are missing the forest for the trees.

Japan's Shinkansen bullet train system, carrying 350 million passengers annually, has achieved zero injuries since 1964, showcasing its safety and efficiency.