Railroad Revenue Passenger-Miles, Commutation, Class I Railroads for United States

M0312CUSM429NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

383.00

Year-over-Year Change

2.13%

Date Range

7/1/1921 - 6/1/1956

Summary

This economic trend measures the number of passenger-miles traveled on commuter rail lines operated by Class I railroads in the United States. It provides insight into the level of passenger transportation activity and commuter behavior.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The Railroad Revenue Passenger-Miles, Commutation, Class I Railroads for United States metric tracks the volume of passenger travel on major U.S. rail networks. It is a key indicator of the health and utilization of the country's commuter rail infrastructure.

Methodology

The data is collected by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration through mandatory reporting by Class I freight railroad operators.

Historical Context

This trend is closely monitored by transportation planners, urban economists, and policymakers to assess commuter activity and guide infrastructure investment decisions.

Key Facts

  • Class I railroads are the largest freight rail operators in the U.S.
  • Commuter rail accounts for about 5% of total U.S. passenger travel.
  • Passenger-miles have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the number of passenger-miles traveled on commuter rail lines operated by the largest freight railroad companies in the United States.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This metric provides insight into commuter behavior and the utilization of the country's rail transportation infrastructure, which is crucial for urban planning and policy decisions.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration through mandatory reporting by Class I freight railroad operators.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Transportation planners, urban economists, and policymakers closely monitor this trend to assess commuter activity and guide infrastructure investment decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is subject to regular updates, but there may be some delays in reporting by railroad operators.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Railroad Revenue Passenger-Miles, Commutation, Class I Railroads for United States (M0312CUSM429NNBR), retrieved from FRED.