Stephen J. Gardner Steps Down After Three Years
The chief executive of Amtrak CEO, Stephen J. Gardner announced his resignation on Wednesday after leading the passenger rail service for nearly three years. His departure comes at a pivotal time for Amtrak, as the company works to modernize its infrastructure while facing ongoing challenges with its high-speed train rollout.
In his resignation statement, Gardner emphasized his commitment to ensuring that Amtrak continues to have the “full faith and confidence” of the current administration. Reflecting on his tenure, he stated, “We did a lot together to make Amtrak safer, more modern, and a better travel experience for all our customers.”
Gardner has been with Amtrak CEO since 2009, holding multiple executive roles, including executive vice president, chief operating and commercial officer, and eventually president. He was appointed as Amtrak’s chief executive in December 2020, just as the company was navigating the severe decline in ridership caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Amtrak has rebounded significantly, with a record 32.8 million passengers in fiscal year 2024, according to the company’s latest reports.
Expansion and Ongoing High-Speed Train Delays
During Gardner’s leadership, Amtrak made strides toward modernization and expansion, bolstered by funding from the 2021 infrastructure law. However, one of the company’s most ambitious projects—the introduction of new high-speed Acela trains—has faced repeated delays.
Originally set to debut in 2021, the new Avelia Liberty trains, designed to operate along Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor from Washington to Boston, remain grounded due to ongoing safety and design issues. These trains, recognizable by their red, white, and blue color scheme, were intended to replace the current Acela fleet, but the project has encountered persistent setbacks.
Despite these challenges, Amtrak remains committed to launching the new high-speed trains, now targeting a spring 2025 rollout, according to its website. The success of this initiative will be crucial for the company, as the Northeast Corridor remains its most profitable route.
Political Debate and Calls for Privatization
Stephen J. Gardner sudden departure comes amid renewed discussions about the future of Amtrak, particularly regarding its funding and management structure. Just two weeks ago, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk suggested privatizing the national rail service, arguing that private ownership was the only viable way to improve the system. Speaking at a tech conference, Musk criticized Amtrak’s performance, calling it a “sad situation” compared to China’s advanced high-speed rail network.
Amtrak CEO has long struggled with financial instability, aging infrastructure, and service delays. Despite decades of operation, it has yet to turn a consistent profit. However, the company has stated that it expects to achieve profitability for the first time under the Trump administration.
It remains uncertain whether former President Donald Trump, who previously proposed significant budget cuts to Amtrak, would support privatization efforts if re-elected. As the company navigates leadership changes and operational hurdles, the debate over its future continues to intensify.
