DAVIS, Calif. -- Trains running out of Davis are more crowded with passengers looking to use mass transit, officials with Amtrak said Wednesday.

Amtrak managers said they have had 17 percent more passengers than they did the same time last year.

"I think the last year or so, it was because gas prices went up, and then people riding saw actually how easy it is," said Thomas Andrews, of Amtrak

For the holidays, Amtrak has decided to add rail cars in California.

Five hundred additional seats on the Capitol Corridor that runs from Sacramento to San Jose were also added on Wednesday.

"It's a lot cheaper than driving around everywhere," said rider A.J. Russo. "It's good for going somewhere far away."

Some passengers said that even when the train is full it makes for a comfortable ride.

Amtrak said it also offers more service than it used to and trains run on time more often because of fewer freight delays on the same tracks.

"It's much more convenient than trying to park and drive and put up with the traffic," said rider Vivian Casad.