Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said Wednesday, He will Step-Down Immediately, after more than Four years as Head of the U.S. Passenger Railroad, citing Concerns about Maintaining the Carrier's Support from Trump's (R) Administration. "I am stepping down as CEO to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration," Gardner said in a Statement. A White House Official said He had been Asked to Step-Down.
Trump during His First Term repeatedly sought to Cut Amtrak Funding, which received about $2.4 billion in Annual Federal Support in 2023. Congress last week, approved $2.42 billion for Amtrak through September 30th, 2025, in Annual Funding. Amtrak said in December 2024, Ridership topped 2019 Pre-COVID-19 Levels for the First Time, and reached a Record High even with Less Capacity. Ridership Increased over 15% in 2023 to a record 32.8 million Customer Trips, as Passenger Revenue hit $2.5 billion, up 9% over the Prior Year.
But, the Rail Operator Reported an Adjusted Operating Loss of $705 million, for the 12 months ended September 30th, 2024, down 9% versus 2023. Trump's Budget Proposes again to Cut Federal Funding for Amtrak in Half, which Congress has Rejected
Amtrak in March, said it was Boosting Passenger Services on the East Coast, as it aims to Double Ridership Nationwide by 2040 to 66 Million Passengers. Congress Approved $66 Billion for Rail Projects as part of a Massive Infrastructure Bill in 2021, with $22 Billion dedicated to Amtrak, over Five years on Top of Regular Funding.
Amtrak Unveils New Campaign to Compete with Air and Road Travel. In 2023, then Biden (D) announced $16.4 Billion in Grant Funding for 25 Rail Projects on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, Boston to Washington, which is the Busiest U.S. Rail Corridor with 800,000 Daily Trips in a Region representing 20% of the U.S. Economy.
Many Bridges, Tunnels and other Parts of the Corridor are in Serious need of Repairs, especially a Key Tunnel connected New York City and New Jersey.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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