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Amtrak CEO steps down amid Musk calls to privatize

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner is stepping down to ensure continued support from the administration, as he stated in his announcement.
Amtrak carried a record 32.8 million passengers in fiscal year 2024, a 15% increase from the previous year, as reported by the company.
Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, suggested privatizing Amtrak, calling it a 'sad situation'.
Despite record passenger numbers, Amtrak faced an operating loss of $635 million, and the board expressed a desire to build a 'world-class passenger rail system'.

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The Week

Lean Left

Amtrak is the latest organization under DOGE's scrutiny

America's national railway service could be heading off the tracks, as Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner announced on March 19 that he was stepping down from his position. Gardner's resignation comes amid a flurry of criticism aimed at Amtrak by the Trump administration — specifically from Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency.The White House has been at odds with Amtrak over its desire to privatize the company, something that Musk has …

9 days ago·Washington, United States

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NZ Herald

Center

Spend 48 hours aboard America’s newest sleeper train

Amtrak’s new ‘Floridian’ train service connects Chicago with Miami , offering great dining and wonderful views on the way to the Sunshine State — much better...

9 days ago·Auckland, New Zealand

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npr

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What's next for Amtrak following CEO's sudden departure

In a sudden move, the CEO of Amtrak stepped down. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with the Rail Passengers Association's Jim Matthews about the future of the U.S. Passenger Rail Service.

9 days ago·Washington, United States

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Brown Daily Herald

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What Amtrak privatization would mean for nationwide rail travel

Since Amtrak's creation in 1970, the U.S. passenger railroad company has carried millions of passengers each year. In fiscal year 2024, over 32 million people rode Amtrak's buses and trains, which carry passengers nationwide.A federally chartered company, Amtrak receives a number of federal subsidies, including direct investments and grants that aid the company's operations. In 2024, the U.S. government gave $2.4 billion to Amtrak in federal app…

10 days ago

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KTLA 5

Center

Amtrak CEO resigns amid Trump Admin’s musing about privatization

The CEO of Amtrak has resigned from his post just months after the passenger rail service recorded its best single-year ridership in its history. Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner announced the move Wednesday, saying he was proud of what his team at Amtrak had accomplished in his 16 years at the helm, bringing more passenger rail […]

10 days ago·Los Angeles, United States

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