In the statement, Stephen Gardner, now the former CEO of Amtrak, said:
"I am stepping down as CEO to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration. 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. 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."
According to the Associated Press, the resignation signalled that Amtrak's change in leadership was dependent on maintaining the support of US President Donald Trump.
Amtrak has also been criticised by Elon Musk, who is considering privatising Amtrak. He even reportedly called Amtrak "kind of embarrassing" compared to, say, China's bullet trains, according to AP.
