Not everyone in the United States is aware of it, but Amtrak, the country’s most popular train company, is not private. The Quasi-Awam Corporation was established in 1971 and receives state and federal subsidies on a regular basis. However, Amtrak is now being managed as a profit organization, which means that income remains an important goal for this company.
Amtrak is often in news for a variety of reasons, whether because Additional details on the upcoming Airo 2026 train or new services offered to passengers, such as Re -introduction of the Sightseer Lounge in Texas Eagle. However, a new headline is putting Amtrak under the attention: Elon Musk’s comments suggesting the company should be fully privatized.
In an interview with Mary Louise Kelly of the National Public Radio, Jim Mathews, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Rail Passenger Association, explaining why the idea was terrible.
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Why Chief Executive Officer Jim Mathews argues that privatization of Amtrak is a ‘extraordinary idea’
Jim Mathews thinks the United States needs a company that focuses on serving its citizens rather than just profits
An Northeast Regional Train from Amtrak at Union Station connects Washington to New York in the Northeast Corridor.
Mary Louise Kelly starts his interview By asking Jim Mathews what he thinks about Elon Musk’s comments on Amtrak privatization. He didn’t hesitate to voice his opinion:
I think it’s an amazing idea. We already know it doesn’t work.
He later suggested that Amtrak was established because private capital could not provide good service to the public. He proceeded to say that the United States needed a company that not only focused on profits but also served with remote communities.
That’s the role of Amtrak today. (…) To provide passenger relief services and connections to most rural communities in places where private capital is unable to provide it.
Unfortunately, the public nature of the company also implies that anyone in the government can drastically affect its future.
Amtrak relies on government financing to operate. It is – it can’t help but be trapped in politics. And unfortunately, which has completely formed amtrak over the past half of the past in terms of the ability to earn the money we need to do the job we are asking for.
An unfortunate development that relates to the nature of the Amtrak is the resignation of Stephen Gardner, Chief Executive Officer of Amtrak.
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On March 19, Stephen Gardner, Chief Executive Officer of Amtrak, suddenly resigned after 16 years
Stephen J. Gardner, Chief Executive Officer, Amtrak, argues how infrastructure money will replace the 150 -year -old Baltimore Tunnel and Potomac in Baltimore, Md.
On March 19, Amtrak Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gardner, suddenly decided to resign from his role. No explanation was given to this decision following a 16 -year career; However, A few days after his resignation, Chief Executive Officer of Amtrak broke the silence with a classy statement.
I step on as the Chief Executive Officer to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full confidence and confidence of this administration. I am very proud of what the Amtrak team has achieved to bring passenger rail services to more people and places across the country for the past 16 years, and I thank the Board for their trust and support.
The Chief Executive Officer did not directly address Elon Musk and his privatization comments. However, as Stephen Gardner resigned just days after the millionaire’s speech, people are now thinking of the relationship between the two events.
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Amtrak information |
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|---|---|
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2024 passengers |
32.8 million |
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Increased passengers compared to 2023 |
15% |
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2024 ticket income |
$ 2.5 billion |
Stephen Gardner began his career in Amtrak in the 90s, started as a trainer and eventually became the CEO of the company.
From my start as an Amtrak trainer in the 1990s to end as the Chief Executive Officer, it has been my tribute and privilege to lead this American big company, and I hope Amtrak every success. See you on the railway.
So, what exactly did Elon Musk say, and what was the Amtrak response?
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In early March, Elon Musk described Amtrak as ‘sad’ and said the company should be privatized
Amtrak replies with a simple yet effective message
In early March, Elon Musk made the news after suggesting that Amtrak should be privatized. At the technology conference, he referred to the federal train company as ’embarrassing,’ despite suggesting foreigners who went to the United States should avoid the service.
Amtrak is a sad situation (…) if you come from another country, don’t use our national train. This will leave you with a very bad effect on America.
Following the privatization speech, Amtrak reacts with a simple statement. The company decided to stay silent while posting a few words on their Instagram page:
We will continue to do this until you take the train.
The company also published white papers that analyzed possible privatization and answered general questions. White paper, “It is unclear what the amtrak privatization proposal problem is intended to solve it”.
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Despite the negative start of 2025, New Amtrak -This recently releases future project maps and current status. Regardless of Elon Musk’s comments, the company set a passenger record by 2024, welcoming more than 32.8 million tourists, a 15% increase from 2023.
In addition, ticket revenue has reached $ 2.5 billion for the first time since Amtrak was established. Many tourists hope that the company will continue to avoid privatization by prioritizing good service to all US citizens and communities and not just focusing on profits.