Amtrak to Cut Top Management Staff by 20%

Amtrak is planning to cut roughly 20% of its top-level management staff to reduce costs by $100 million per year. The national passenger railroad, owned by the federal government, aims to eliminate approximately 450 roles to achieve these savings. The company confirmed that the layoffs, which began on Tuesday, will only affect corporate-level jobs and not impact railroad operation roles.

Amtrak President Roger Harris stated that the company is conducting a full review of its cost structure and identified opportunities to align resources more efficiently. The layoff process will inform affected employees in the first half of May. Additionally, Amtrak has implemented a hiring freeze for management positions and paused promotions.

The cutbacks have been in the works for months, following President Trump's victory and the uncertainties around infrastructure planning. The projects affected by the layoffs include major construction projects such as new rail tunnels in New York City and Baltimore, and the replacement of the Susquehanna River Bridge. Despite the challenges, Amtrak's tunnel and bridge projects are progressing, albeit with funding uncertainties.