Full History Of Amtrak In Timeline From 1916

2 hours ago : Amtrak train collision in Mobile County: Mother and daughter among two fatalities.

An Amtrak passenger train collided with a vehicle in south Mobile County, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her 8-year-old daughter. The tracks have been cleared, and investigations are underway.

1916: Rail Travel Dominance

In 1916, rail travel dominated commercial intercity travel in the United States, accounting for 98% of all travelers. Railways transported nearly 42 million passengers as primary transportation.

1940: Decline in Passenger-Miles

By 1940, railroads held 67 percent of commercial passenger-miles in the United States. In real terms, passenger-miles had fallen by 40% since 1916, from 42 billion to 25 billion.

1945: Rail Market Share Surges During World War II

In 1945, during World War II, the railroad's market share surged to 74%, with a massive 94 billion passenger-miles due to troop movement and gasoline rationing.

1950: Post-War Travel Market Share Falls

Even as postwar travel exploded, passenger travel percentages of the overall market share fell to 46% by 1950.

1957: Railroads Lose Money

By 1957, railroads had lost money on passenger service since the Great Depression, with deficits reaching $723 million in 1957, threatening the financial viability of many railroads.

1958: Passenger Service Route-Miles Fall

In 1958, passenger service route-miles fell from 107,000 miles to 49,000 miles in 1970.

1961: Doyle Report

In 1961, the Doyle Report proposed that the private railroads pool their services into a single body.

1965: Similar Proposals and High Speed Ground Transportation Act

Similar proposals were made in 1965 and 1968 but failed to attract support. The federal government passed the High Speed Ground Transportation Act of 1965 to fund pilot programs in the Northeast Corridor.

1967: Mail Diversion

In late 1967, the diversion of most United States Post Office Department mail from passenger trains to trucks, airplanes, and freight trains deprived those trains of badly needed revenue.

1968: Similar Proposal

In 1965 and 1968, similar proposals were made but failed to attract support.

1969: Proposals Emerge

In late 1969, multiple proposals emerged in the United States Congress, including equipment subsidies, route subsidies, and a "quasi-public corporation" to take over the operation of intercity passenger trains.

June 21, 1970: Penn Central Files to Discontinue Trains

On June 21, 1970, the Penn Central, the largest railroad in the Northeastern United States, filed to discontinue 34 of its passenger trains.

October 1970: Rail Passenger Service Act

In October 1970, Congress passed, and President Richard Nixon signed into law the Rail Passenger Service Act, which led to the creation of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (NRPC).

1970: Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970

In 1970, the Rail Passenger Service Act was enacted, establishing Amtrak as a non-governmental entity.

1970: Private Operation Last Full Year

In 1970, the last full year of private operation, passenger service route-miles fell from 107,000 miles (172,000 km) in 1958 to 49,000 miles (79,000 km).

1970: Amtrak founding

In early 2007, Amtrak employed 20,000 people in 46 states and served 25 million passengers a year, its highest number since its founding in 1970.

1970: Railroads Decline NRPC

Of the 26 railroads still offering intercity passenger service in 1970, only six declined to join the NRPC.

January 28, 1971: Final List of Routes on January 28, 1971

Further wrangling between the DOT and the White House produced the final list of routes on January 28, 1971, adding 5 additional routes to the November 30 draft.

May 1, 1971: Amtrak Begins Operations

Amtrak began operations on May 1, 1971, continuing 184 of the 366 train routes that operated previously. Disputes with freight railroads over track usage caused some services to be rerouted, temporarily cancelled, or replaced with buses.

1971: Amtrak commenced operations

In 1971, Amtrak commenced operations with $40 million in direct federal aid, $100 million in federally insured loans, and a somewhat larger private contribution.

1971: Leasing and Purchasing Equipment

In 1971, Amtrak leased around 1,200 passenger cars and began purchasing some of the equipment it had leased, including diesel and electric locomotives and passenger cars.

1971: Amtrak Founded

In 1971, Amtrak was founded as a quasi-public corporation to operate many U.S. passenger rail routes. Amtrak receives a combination of state and federal subsidies but is managed as a for-profit organization.

1971: Issuance of common stock

In 1971, common stock was issued to railroads that contributed capital and equipment to Amtrak.

1971: Criticism of Amtrak formation

The formation of Amtrak in 1971 was criticized as a bailout serving corporate rail interests and union railroaders, not the traveling public.

March 1972: Alternate Routing Adopted

The trains serving Central Station continued to use that station until an alternate routing was adopted in March 1972.

1972: Amtrak Ridership

Amtrak's ridership increased from 16.6 million in 1972 to 21 million in 1981.

1972: Amtrak carries 15.8 million passengers

In 1972, its first full year of operation, Amtrak carried 15.8 million passengers.

1973: Increase to Daily Service

The creation of the Los Angeles–Seattle Coast Starlight from three formerly separate train routes was an immediate success, resulting in an increase to daily service by 1973.

1974: Fortune Magazine Exposes Manufactured Mismanagement

After Fortune magazine exposed the manufactured mismanagement in 1974, Louis W. Menk, chairman of the Burlington Northern Railroad, remarked that the story was undermining the scheme to dismantle Amtrak.

1974: Expectations of breaking even

In 1974, officials expected that Amtrak would break even.

1975: Amtrak Color Scheme

By 1975, the official Amtrak color scheme was painted on most Amtrak equipment and newly purchased locomotives and the rolling stock began appearing.

1975: Profit By 1975

On November 24 Volpe presented his initial draft consisting of 27 routes to Nixon, which he believed would make a $24-million profit by 1975.

April 1, 1976: Amtrak Acquired Majority of NEC

On April 1, 1976, Amtrak acquired the majority of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) following the passage of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976.

February 1978: Headquarters Moved

In February 1978, Amtrak moved its headquarters to 400 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, D.C.

1978: Amtrak Standard Stations Program Launched

In 1978, The Amtrak Standard Stations Program was launched and proposed to build a standardized station design across the system with an aim to reduce costs, speed construction, and improve its corporate image.

1981: Uncertain government aid

Amid uncertain government aid from 1981 to about 2000, Amtrak's ridership stagnated at roughly 20 million passengers per year.

1981: Amtrak Ridership

Amtrak's ridership increased to 21 million in 1981 from 16.6 million in 1972.

1981: Annual direct federal aid reached a 17-year high

In 1981, annual direct federal aid reached a 17-year high of $1.25 billion.

1982: William Graham Claytor Jr. becomes Amtrak's head

In 1982, William Graham Claytor Jr., former Secretary of the Navy and retired Southern Railway head, became the head of Amtrak. Claytor, a vocal critic of Amtrak's prior management, was appointed despite clashes with the Reagan administration over funding.

1983: Amtrak adds California Zephyr and revives Auto Train

In 1983, Amtrak added the California Zephyr train service between Oakland and Chicago via Denver. Amtrak also revived the Auto Train, which carries passengers and their vehicles between Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida.

1986: Federal support fell to a decade low

By 1986, federal support fell to a decade low of $601 million.

1988: Lowest freight-rail traffic volumes

This improved performance coincided with a general economic downturn, resulting in the lowest freight-rail traffic volumes since at least 1988, meaning less freight traffic to impede passenger traffic.

1991: Empire Connection tunnel opens

In 1991, the Empire Connection tunnel opened, allowing Amtrak to consolidate all New York services at Penn Station.

October 1992: Amtrak tests X 2000 train

In October 1992, Amtrak began testing the X 2000 train leased from Sweden for test runs on the Northeast Corridor.

January 1993: Amtrak tests X 2000 train

In January 1993, Amtrak concluded testing the X 2000 train leased from Sweden for test runs on the Northeast Corridor.

July 3, 1993: Siemens ICE 1 train North America Tour

On July 3, 1993, Siemens' ICE 1 train from Germany, organized the ICE Train North America Tour which started to operate on the Northeast Corridor.

September 1993: Amtrak revenue service of X 2000 train

In September 1993, Amtrak ended revenue service of the X 2000 train between Washington, D.C., and New York City.

1993: Thomas Downs becomes Amtrak president

In 1993, Thomas Downs succeeded Claytor as Amtrak's fifth president, with the goal of "operational self-sufficiency."

1995: Amtrak on the brink of a cash crisis

By 1995, Amtrak was on the brink of a cash crisis and was unable to continue to service its debts.

1997: Congress authorized $5.2 billion for Amtrak

In 1997, Congress authorized $5.2 billion for Amtrak over the next five years on the condition that Amtrak submit to the ultimatum of self-sufficiency by 2003 or liquidation.

1997: Amtrak receives tax refund due to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997

In 1997, Congress included a provision in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 that resulted in Amtrak's receiving a $2.3 billion tax refund that resolved their cash crisis.

1997: Congress released Amtrak from hiring prohibition

In 1997, Congress released Amtrak from a prohibition on hiring contractors outside the corporation (and outside its unions).

1998: George Warrington becomes Amtrak president

In 1998, George Warrington became the sixth president of Amtrak, tasked with making the company financially self-sufficient.

March 9, 1999: Amtrak unveils Acela Express plan

On March 9, 1999, Amtrak unveiled its plan for the Acela Express, a high-speed train for the Northeast Corridor. Changes were made to the corridor, including electrification and grade crossing improvements.

1999: Most recent contract signed

In 1999, the most recent contract was signed, was mainly retroactive.

2000: Uncertain government aid

Amid uncertain government aid from 1981 to about 2000, Amtrak's ridership stagnated at roughly 20 million passengers per year.

2000: Inauguration of the Acela

In late 2000, the inauguration of the high-speed Acela generated considerable publicity and led to major ridership gains.

2002: Buy-out offer declined

In 2002, an Amtrak buy-out offer to holders of common stock was declined.

2002: David L. Gunn replaces Warrington as president

In early 2002, David L. Gunn replaced Warrington as Amtrak's seventh president. Gunn argued that no form of passenger transportation in the United States is self-sufficient.

2003: Ultimatum of self-sufficiency by 2003

In 1997 Congress authorized $5.2 billion for Amtrak over the next five years – largely to complete the Acela capital project – on the condition that Amtrak submit to the ultimatum of self-sufficiency by 2003 or liquidation.

2004: Cutbacks in services and routes

In 2004, a stalemate in federal support of Amtrak forced cutbacks in services and routes as well as the resumption of deferred maintenance. In fiscal 2004 and 2005, Congress appropriated about $1.2 billion for Amtrak, $300 million more than President George W. Bush had requested.

2005: Cutbacks in services and routes

In 2004, a stalemate in federal support of Amtrak forced cutbacks in services and routes as well as the resumption of deferred maintenance. In fiscal 2004 and 2005, Congress appropriated about $1.2 billion for Amtrak, $300 million more than President George W. Bush had requested.

2005: Amtrak's carbon dioxide emissions per passenger

In 2005, Amtrak's carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per passenger were 0.411 lbs/mi (0.116 kg per km).

2005: Gunn fired

Late in 2005, Gunn was fired after disagreement within Amtrak's board of directors about a plan by the Bush administration.

2006: Amtrak received just under $1.4 billion

In 2006, Amtrak received just under $1.4 billion, with the condition that Amtrak would reduce (but not not eliminate) food and sleeper service losses.

2006: Amtrak seeks congressional funding

In late 2006, Amtrak unsuccessfully sought annual congressional funding of $1 billion for ten years.

October 2007: Senate passed S. 294

In October 2007, the Senate passed S. 294, the Passenger Rail Improvement and Investment Act of 2007 (70–22), sponsored by Senators Frank Lautenberg and Trent Lott.

2007: DOT Inspector General confirmed Amtrak needed funds

In Congressional testimony, the DOT Inspector General confirmed that Amtrak would need at least $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion in fiscal 2006 and $2 billion in fiscal 2007 just to maintain the status quo.

2007: Amtrak employs 20,000 people

In early 2007, Amtrak employed 20,000 people in 46 states and served 25 million passengers a year.

May 2008: Regional lines saw 12% year-over-year growth

During 2007-08 rise in gasoline prices, Amtrak saw record ridership. Capping a steady five-year increase in ridership overall, regional lines saw 12% year-over-year growth in May 2008.

June 11, 2008: Similar bill passed the House

On June 11, 2008, a similar bill passed the House with a veto-proof margin (311–104).

October 16, 2008: Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 signed into law

The final bill, spurred on by the September 12 Metrolink collision in California and retitled Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, was signed into law by President Bush on October 16, 2008. The bill appropriates $2.6 billion a year in Amtrak funding through 2013.

2008: Amtrak first offered free Wi-Fi service to passengers

In 2008, Amtrak first offered free Wi-Fi service to passengers aboard the Downeaster.

2008: Joseph H. Boardman becomes president and CEO

In late 2008, Joseph H. Boardman replaced Kummant as president and CEO of Amtrak.

2008: Dispatching practices investigated

The railroads' dispatching practices were investigated in 2008, resulting in stricter laws about train priority.

2009: Amtrak workers represented by multiple unions

As of 2009, Amtrak workers are represented by 14 separate trade unions, with as many as 24 simultaneous contracts between them, a situation which has made contract negotiations more difficult.

2009: On-time performance improved

In 2009, Amtrak's overall on-time performance went up from 74.7% in fiscal 2008 to 84.7%.

2010: Amtrak's farebox recovery

Amtrak points out that in 2010, its farebox recovery (percentage of operating costs covered by revenues generated by passenger fares) was 79%, the highest reported for any U.S. passenger railroad.

2010: Backlog of needed repairs of track

Amtrak stated in 2010 that the backlog of needed repairs of the track it owns on the Northeast Corridor included over 200 bridges, most dating to the 19th century, tunnels under Baltimore dating to the American Civil War era and functionally obsolete track switches which would cost $5.2 billion to repair (more than triple Amtrak's total annual budget).

2010: Senate approved bill to provide $1.96 billion to Amtrak

In 2010 the Senate approved a bill to provide $1.96 billion to Amtrak, but cut the approval for high-speed rail to a $1 billion appropriation.

2010: Amtrak offered free Wi-Fi service

In 2010, Amtrak offered free Wi-Fi service to passengers aboard the Acela and the Northeast Regional trains on the NEC.

2010: Wicker Amendment allows firearms in checked baggage

With the passage of the Wicker Amendment in 2010, passengers are allowed to put lawfully owned, unloaded firearms in checked Amtrak baggage, reversing a decade-long ban on such carriage.

May 7, 2011: Amtrak celebrates its 40th anniversary

On May 7, 2011, Amtrak celebrated its 40th anniversary with festivities across the country that started on National Train Day.

May 2011: Amtrak celebrates its 40th anniversary

From May 2011 to May 2012, Amtrak celebrated its 40th anniversary with festivities across the country, including a commemorative book entitled Amtrak: An American Story.

November 2011: Amtrak launched an e-ticketing system

In November 2011, Amtrak launched an e-ticketing system on the Downeaster.

2011: Amtrak announces Gateway Program

In 2011, Amtrak announced the Gateway Program to improve and expand the high-speed rail corridor from Penn Station in NYC, under the Hudson River in new tunnels, and double-tracking the line to Newark, NJ.

2011: Amtrak offered free Wi-Fi service

In 2011, Amtrak offered free Wi-Fi service to passengers aboard the Amtrak Cascades.

2011: U.S. Congress granted funds to Amtrak

In Fiscal Year 2011, the U.S. Congress granted Amtrak $563 million for operating and $922 million for capital programs.

May 2012: Amtrak celebrates its 40th anniversary

From May 2011 to May 2012, Amtrak celebrated its 40th anniversary with festivities across the country, including a commemorative book entitled Amtrak: An American Story.

July 30, 2012: Amtrak rolls out e-ticketing system nationwide

On July 30, 2012, Amtrak rolled out its e-ticketing system nationwide. Officials said the system gives "more accurate knowledge in realtime of who is on the train which greatly improves the safety and security of passengers; en route reporting of onboard equipment problems to mechanical crews which may result in faster resolution of the issue; and more efficient financial reporting".

December 2013: Boardman named "Railroader of the Year"

In December 2013, Boardman was named "Railroader of the Year" by Railway Age magazine.

2013: Cut in federal appropriations

Despite an initial request for more than $2.1 billion in funding for the year, the company had to deal with a year-over-year cut in 2013 federal appropriations, dropping to under $1.4 billion for the first time in several years.

2013: The bill appropriates $2.6 billion

The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 appropriates $2.6 billion a year in Amtrak funding through 2013.

February 2014: Amtrak rolls out Wi-Fi on corridor trains out of Chicago

In February 2014, Amtrak rolled out Wi-Fi on corridor trains out of Chicago.

February 2015: Common stock holdings

As of February 2015, the distribution of common stock was as follows: American Premier Underwriters held 53%, BNSF held 35%, Canadian Pacific held 7%, and Canadian National held 5%.

December 9, 2015: Boardman announces departure

On December 9, 2015, Boardman announced his departure from Amtrak in September 2016.

August 19, 2016: Charles "Wick" Moorman named Boardman's successor

On August 19, 2016, Charles "Wick" Moorman was named Boardman's successor as president and CEO of Amtrak, effective September 1, 2016.

September 1, 2016: Charles "Wick" Moorman's effective date

On September 1, 2016, Charles "Wick" Moorman assumed office of president and CEO of Amtrak. During his term, Moorman took no salary.

November 17, 2016: Gateway Program Development Corporation formed

On November 17, 2016, the Gateway Program Development Corporation (GDC) was formed to oversee the Gateway Program infrastructure improvements.

June 2017: Richard Anderson announced as Amtrak's next President & CEO

In June 2017, Richard Anderson, former Delta and Northwest Airlines CEO, was announced as Amtrak's next President & CEO.

2017: Settlement and arbitration policy

In 2017, after settling for $17 million in the Washington state train crash to prevent further lawsuits, the board adopted a new policy requiring arbitration.

March 2018: First report card issued to host railroads

In March 2018, Amtrak issued its first report card to host railroads, grading them on their impact to on-time performance. The report card included one A grade, which was given to Canadian Pacific, and two F grades, which were given to Canadian National and Norfolk Southern.

2018: Amtrak's farebox recovery

In 2018, Amtrak's farebox recovery increased to 94.9%.

2018: Amtrak median on-time performance

In 2018, Amtrak's median on-time performance between 2018 and 2023 was 74.5%.

2019: Amtrak's best year in farebox recovery

In 2019, which was Amtrak's best year in farebox recovery, Amtrak was short by only $29.4 million from breaking even for that year.

2019: Amtrak carries a record 32 million passengers

In fiscal year 2019, Amtrak carried a record 32 million passengers, more than double the total in 1972.

April 15, 2020: William Flynn named Amtrak President and CEO

On April 15, 2020, William Flynn was named Amtrak President and CEO.

September 30, 2020: Amtrak reports 16.8 million passengers

For the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2020, Amtrak reported 16.8 million passengers, a decline resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2020: Long-distance routes reduced to three weekly round trips

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amtrak continued operating as an essential service. Most long-distance routes were reduced to three weekly round trips in October 2020.

December 2020: Anderson remains with Amtrak as a senior advisor

In December 2020, Anderson would remain with Amtrak as a senior advisor.

2020: Planning for expansion and creation of new intermediate-distance corridors

As Amtrak approached profitability in 2020, the company undertook planning to expand and create new intermediate-distance corridors across the country.

2020: Amtrak host report card

In 2020, Amtrak's host report card gave Canadian Pacific and Canadian National an A, BNSF and CSX a B, Union Pacific a C+, and Norfolk Southern a D−.

2020: Amtrak median on-time performance

In 2020, Amtrak's median on-time performance between 2018 and 2023 reached a high of 80%.

2020: Amtrak Express cargo service suspended

In 2020, the Amtrak Express cargo service, which provided small-package and less-than-truckload shipping between most Amtrak stations that handle checked baggage, was suspended.

March 2021: Flynn outlines Amtrak Connects US proposal

In March 2021, Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn outlined a proposal called Amtrak Connects US that would expand state-supported intercity corridors.

May 2021: Amtrak restored 12 of its long-distance routes to daily schedules

In May 2021, Amtrak announced plans to return 12 of its long-distance routes to daily schedules.

September 2021: Hurricane Ida floods Amtrak Northeast Corridor

In September 2021, the remnants of Hurricane Ida flooded the Amtrak Northeast Corridor running from Boston to Washington, D.C., causing it to shut down for an entire day.

2021: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed

In 2021, the 117th United States Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which directly appropriated $66 billion for rail over a five-year period.

2021: Amtrak reports 12.2 million passengers

In fiscal year 2021, Amtrak reported 12.2 million passengers, a decrease from the previous year.

January 2022: Stephen Gardner becomes Amtrak CEO

In January 2022, Stephen Gardner became the company's CEO.

March 2022: Omicron variant caused Amtrak to modify and/or suspend many routes

In March 2022, a resurgence of the virus caused by the Omicron variant caused Amtrak to modify and/or suspend many of these routes again from January to March 2022.

2022: Siemens Venture trainsets enter service

In 2022, Siemens Venture trainsets, purchased by California and a consortium of Midwestern states, began entering service on Amtrak-operated routes within their regions.

2022: Amtrak reports 22.9 million passengers

In fiscal year 2022, Amtrak reported an increase to 22.9 million passengers.

February 2023: Heavy snowfall and debris cause major disruptions

In February 2023, heavy snowfall and debris on tracks caused major disruptions from delays to cancellations.

July 2023: Station compliance with ADA

As of July 2023, 117 of 385 Amtrak stations were in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

2023: Average Amtrak employee salary

As of 2023, the average Amtrak employee annual salary was $121,000 per year.

2023: Amtrak issues request for proposals

In 2023, Amtrak issued a request for proposals to replace hundreds of bilevel railcars used on long-distance routes.

2023: Amtrak host report card

In 2023, Amtrak's host report card gave Canadian Pacific Kansas City an A, CSX and Canadian National a B+, BNSF a B, Norfolk Southern a B−, and Union Pacific a C−.

2023: Amtrak median on-time performance

In 2023, Amtrak's median on-time performance between 2018 and 2023 was 74.5%.

2023: Amtrak reports 28.6 million passengers

In fiscal year 2023, Amtrak reported an increase to 28.6 million passengers.

2024: Amtrak reports 32.8 million passengers

In fiscal year 2024, Amtrak's ridership increased to 32.8 million passengers, surpassing the record set in fiscal year 2019.

March 19, 2025: Stephen Gardner resigned

On March 19, 2025, Stephen Gardner resigned abruptly amid reports that the Trump administration had pressured him to step down.

July 2025: No plans to resume Amtrak Express cargo service

As of July 2025, there have been no plans to resume the Amtrak Express cargo service, which was previously suspended in 2020.

September 18, 2025: Current board members

As of September 18, 2025, there was a new board.

2025: Amtrak issues proposal for single-level railcars

In 2025, Amtrak issued a similar proposal for single-level long-distance railcars.

2025: Amtrak reports 34.5 million passengers

In fiscal year 2025, Amtrak reported 34.5 million passengers, setting an all-time record for the second year in a row.

2025: Fiscal Year 2025

In fiscal year 2025, Amtrak served 34.5 million passengers and had $2.7 billion in adjusted ticket revenue, with more than 22,100 employees. Nearly 87,000 passengers ride more than 300 Amtrak trains daily.