North America Railway Seats Market Forecast to 2030 - Regional Analysis by Train Type and Seat Type

The North America Railway Seats Market is expected to reach US$ 682.27 million by 2030; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2030.

North America reported an increase in the number of passengers traveling by train in recent years. According to Amtrak, the number of rail passengers increased by 89% from 10.8 million in 2020 to 22.9 million in 2021. The overall ridership hit about 85% of pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels from March 2022 to September 2022. Further, Amtrak also announced that rail ridership and revenue are expected to rise above 90% of pre-pandemic levels by September 2023. Similarly, as per VIA Rail Canada Inc., rail ridership increased by 118.4%, reaching 1.7 million passengers in 2022 compared to 2021. Also, passenger revenues increased by US$ 198.8 million (168.2%) compared to 2021.

According to Amtrak, trains produce less CO2 emissions on average per passenger than airplanes and passenger cars. Traveling by train emits around 83% fewer greenhouse gases than driving passenger cars and up to 73% fewer than traveling by airline. Also, rail travel can be one of the most time-saving and relaxing modes of transport in North America. In some cities in America, people spend more than 80 hours a year in traffic due to longer traffic congestion. Therefore, many people are inclined toward rail transportation since it is an environment-friendly, time-saving, and comfortable mode of transport, which is fueling the growth of the North America railway seats market.

The rail companies in North America focus on providing modern, relaxing, and comfortable travel experience to passengers. Also, as customers expect a premium rail experience, the companies are refurbishing the train interior, including replacing the old seats with new and relaxing ones. In July 2022, Metrolink announced its first refurbished train car is into service in California. The company claimed that the train car would offer a comfortable and safe experience to passengers. This train car is the first of 50 that will be renovated in the future. The train cars comprise improved features, including vinyl seating; non-carpeted flooring; enhanced air filtration; and UV lighting for bacteria, air pollutants, and virus protection. In November 2021, Alstom announced the signing of an agreement with Metrolinx to overhaul 94 BiLevel commuter rail cars in Canada. This contract is valued at ∼US$ 134.10 million (CAD 171 million). Under this contract, Alstom will renovate an interior. The renovation will include installing updated outlets with USB ports, replacing customer seating, cosmetic updates to paneling and flooring, and upgrading washrooms and service-proven LED lighting. Thus, the growing focus of rail companies on refurbishing their train interior is expected to raise the demand for comfortable railway seats, propelling the North America railway seats market growth during the forecast period.

The railway seat market in North America is witnessing significant growth and transformation owing to key factors such as substantial investments in infrastructure development, technological advancements, and evolving passenger preferences. The region's railway sector is experiencing a renaissance, with major rail operators and authorities undertaking ambitious projects to modernize and expand their networks. In May 2023, Amtrak, a US-based passenger railroad service provider, invested an impressive US$ 50 billion in modern rolling stock and infrastructure developments. This ambitious initiative aims to reshape the once-perceived "old" and "antiquated" image of Amtrak, ushering in a new era of rail travel. Collaborating with various stakeholders, including state and local governments and rail partners, Amtrak is leading one of the largest capital programs in the nation's history. This transformative effort is expected to create new opportunities for the railway seat market, as the demand for modern and comfortable seating solutions aligns with the upgraded rail infrastructure.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) is also making strides in developing high-speed rail in the region. With projects such as the completion of the Elkhorn Avenue overcrossing in Fresno County, CHSRA lays the groundwork for future electrified high-speed rail. As construction advances, the demand for modern and comfortable railway seats is expected to grow, benefiting the economies by generating thousands of construction jobs during the development. In July 2023, Brightline's successful completion of the Orlando expansion is another significant milestone in Florida's intercity rail system. The project's economic impact, generating over 10,000 jobs and US$ 6.4 billion in economic value, presents promising opportunities for the railway seat market. With the launch of service between Central and South Florida approaching, the demand for modern and comfortable railway seats is likely to increase, benefiting both passengers and the local economy.

Seats designed for monorail systems, operating on elevated tracks with minimal land requirements, offer scenic views and eco-friendly transportation in urban and suburban areas. The monorail segment of the railway seat market is experiencing growth owing to the increasing adoption of monorail systems in urban and suburban areas. The driving factor for this type of seating is rapid urbanization and the need for efficient and eco-friendly mass transit solutions. Monorails offer several advantages over traditional modes of transportation, including their ability to navigate tight spaces, minimal land requirements, and reduced environmental impact. Firstly, monorails usually operate on elevated tracks, providing passengers scenic views and a unique travel experience. Secondly, monorail seats' compact and streamlined design optimizes space utilization, accommodating more passengers.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, North America experienced significant urbanization trends and increasing commuter traffic in major cities. As more people relied on railways for daily transportation, there was a higher demand for comfortable and ergonomic seats to enhance passenger experience during daily commutes. Railway operators and manufacturers strongly emphasized improving passenger comfort and experience to attract and retain customers. Upgrading seating arrangements with features such as adjustable headrests, ample legroom, and cushioned seats became a priority to meet passengers' expectations and ensure satisfaction during short and long journeys. The pre-COVID scenario witnessed continuous advancements in railway seat technology. Manufacturers integrated modern features such as built-in charging ports, entertainment systems, and Wi-Fi connectivity to cater to the growing need for connectivity and entertainment during train travel. Innovative materials and designs were adopted to ensure durability and ease of maintenance.