by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:05 AM ET, Thu March 20, 2025
Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner has announced his resignation
from the rail company after United States President Donald Trump reportedly
called for the changes.
According to Reuters.com, Gardner said on Wednesday that he
would walk away from the job due to concerns about maintaining the rail company’s
support from the Trump administration.
Sources told Reuters that Gardner was asked to step down,
while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, “Amtrak needs to address safety
concerns.” Elon Musk, a Trump administration advisor, believes Amtrak should be
privatized.
“I am stepping down as CEO to ensure that Amtrak continues
to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration,” Gardner said. “I
am so proud of what the Amtrak team has accomplished to bring passenger rail
service to more people and places across the country over these past 16 years,
and I thank the Board for their trust and support.”
“We did a lot together to make Amtrak safer, more modern,
and a better travel experience for all our customers,” Gardner continued. “From
my start as an Amtrak intern back in the 1990s to ending as CEO, it has been my
honor and privilege to lead this great American company, and I wish Amtrak
every success. See you on the rails.”
Amtrak revealed that ridership increased over 15 percent in
2023 to a record 32.8 million customer trips, while passenger revenue hit $2.5
billion, up nine percent. Last year was not as successful, with Amtrak
reporting an adjusted operating loss of $705 million, down nine percent compared
to 2023.
In 2021, the government approved $66 billion for rail
projects, including $22 billion to Amtrak over five years.
“As Stephen departs today, we thank him for his 16 years of
service to Amtrak,” the Amtrak Board said in a statement. “We will build on his
accomplishments and wish him every success. We look forward to working with
President Trump and Secretary Duffy as we build the world-class passenger rail
system this country deserves.”
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