Amtrak sets ridership record, more than 34 million passengers

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is buzzing Thursday, Nov. 27, as Thanksgiving travel hits full speed. 

An Amtrak spokesman says this year could be the busiest yet. 

Amtrak just set a ridership record - more than 34 million passengers over the last year. 

Locally, about 13,000 people moved through Milwaukee's downtown and airport stations last Thanksgiving and Amtrak expects to top that. 

"Well, we had a slogan once upon a time, there's something about a train that's magic," said Marc Magliari, spokesman. "And I still feel that every day whenever I'm riding our trains. And in fact, I can be productive on this train going back to Chicago this afternoon, something I can't do while driving. I could even try to take a nap on this train, something I shouldn't do at all while driving." 

The agency is warning travelers to plan ahead, especially with snow in the forecast. 

They say there's no need to arrive super early, but you should be at the station 30 minutes before departure.