Amtrak names Stephen Gardner president; wins contract to operate Metrolink trains

Things looking brighter at Amtrak after passage of stimulus package.

Amtrak/Jason Berg

The newsroom at Amtrak has been busy for the past couple of days. Yesterday, Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn announced that Stephen Gardner has been named president of the agency, effective today. Gardner’s appointment is part of a broader set of actions taken under Flynn’s leadership, working with the Board of Directors, to ensure that Amtrak is well positioned for success in fiscal year 2021 and beyond.

Flynn pointed out that [Amtrak has] “two urgent challenges in 2021. We need to successfully manage our business through this global pandemic, and we need to take the right steps to ensure that Amtrak is strong and viable for the next 50 years and beyond.” Flynn added that creating the President position will create a leadership structure that will address the challenges ahead.

Gardner will drive the company’s effort to regain and grow customers and partners through strong delivery of Amtrak’s Annual Operating Plan and modernization of Amtrak’s products, services, infrastructure and fleet. Overseeing Marketing, Operations, Planning and Asset Development, and Government Affairs and Corporate Communications, Gardner will lead day-to-day operations and advance Amtrak’s long-term goals. More information about Gardner is available online.

Also from the Amtrak newsroom, the agency today announced that it has been awarded a four-and-a-half year contract to operate Metrolink commuter trains. The contract takes effect on January 1, 2021 and runs through June 30, 2025.

Amtrak will provide and manage engineers and conductors to operate Metrolink trains, playing a significant role in safety and customer service. Amtrak won the deal over four other competitors.

More information about the contract is available online.