Amtrak: Latest Job Openings, Reviews and Ratings & Profile wise Salary Distribution

Amtrak Careers & Info

CEO: Joseph H. Boardman

Since 2008 Joseph H. Boardman has served as president and CEO of Amtrak. Boardman’s qualifications are extensive. He has served as Administrator for the United States Federal Railroad Administration from 2005 until 2008, where he developed US rail policy for both passenger and freight trains. His experience in the transportation industry spans over 34 years. Mr. Boardman is a Vietnam Air Force veteran. He holds a Bachelors degree in Agriculture Economics from Cornell University and a Masters in Management Science from the University of New York at Binghamton.

Amtrak Overview

Amtrak was organized May 1, 1971, and was designed to offer passenger train service between all US cities. Amtrak is owned by the US government and headquartered at Union Station in Washington DC. While Amtrak’s preferred stock is owned by the US government, common stock issued in 1971 is owned by various railroad companies. Members of Amtrak’s board of directors must be appointed by the United States President and confirmed by the Senate.

Amtrak History and Timeline

From the 1850’s through the 1920’s, rail travel was virtually the only means of passenger travel. By 1929, over 65,000 passenger cars were operated by private railroad companies. During the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, railroad business waned a bit due to the invention of the automobile. The diesel locomotive revived the industry until the 1950’s era, when a drastic decline began and continued into the 1970’s. Air travel threatened to make trains obsolete, but with considerable marketing strategies, affordable prices and various improvements to the rail experience, Amtrak became a viable and frequently used service. Today both commuters and interstate travelers enjoy Amtrak.

1970 – With many railroads in or near bankruptcy, Richard Nixon signed the Railway Service Act that created Amtrak

1971 – Amtrak Services Begin

1973 – Amtrak Reservation and Ticketing System (ARTS) installed

1977 – Begins a 5 year plan involving new Amtrak trains, modernized stations and track upgrades

1981 – Amtrak procures a new fleet of 1,436 all electric cars and fuel efficient locomotives.

1985 – Amtrak joins the Airline Reporting Corporation and encourages more than 27,000 travel agencies to process Amtrak tickets.

1998 – Amtrak exceeds $1 billion in passenger revenues

2009 – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided 8 billion to fund Amtrak high-speed passenger rail service in 31 states.

Industry: Amtrak dominates the rail travel industry and maintains the lion's share of all passenger and commuter train travel.

Product Review: Amtrak offers fast, dependable service at an affordable price. It may not be as fast as an airliner, but if you have the time, it can be much more enjoyable. The Amtrak culture dictates good service and gentle treatment. There are no miserable searches or weather delays. Amtrak employees make sure all passengers have a good experience.

Amtrak Benefits: Working at Amtrak insures that employees will be treated fairly. As a truly equal opportunity employer, Amtrak does not tolerate discrimination or harassment. Upward mobility is equally possible for all employees. They offer compensation, benefits and training to all their employees equally. One of the most exciting opportunities in Amtrak careers is the Professional Development Program. This program requires an 18 month commitment but prepares applicants for a great career with Amtrak.

What jobs pay the most at Amtrak?

Senior Consultant is the highest paying job at Amtrak at $157,000 annually.