What Amtrak privatization would mean for nationwide rail travel Political elites have long called for the privatization of the passenger railroad company, which has operated for more than 50 years.

The railroad stated, "It is not clear what problem Amtrak privatization proposals are intended to solve." It added that it broke all-time records in ridership and revenue over the 2024 fiscal year.

Last week, Amtrak was all over the headlines due to Elon Musk's privatization comments. In response, Amtrak was applauded for its simple statement on social media, taking the high road. Users ...

Musk, meanwhile, has "mused about the privatization of Amtrak, claiming that the railroad's service pales in comparison to the high-speed rail systems in other countries," said Bloomberg.

Ironically, the renewed calls for privatization come during some of Amtrak’s best-performing years on record.

Amtrak, for its part, responded to calls for privatization, pushing back on the assertion that it would lead to better efficiency or lower costs.

Project 2025 called for the privatization of all sorts of government agencies and services, and Elon Musk—who has been helping enact that plan—said this week that the U.S. should privatize ...

Work to remove a set of bridge piers from the Susquehanna has already commenced. But a campaign to halt demolition, waged by a private rail startup, has gained some support.

Elon Musk is calling for change as Amtrak struggles with recurring losses and reliance on federal subsidies.

Amtrak, after investing more than $4 billion in a year to improve its creaky infrastructure and aging fleet, said it expected to make a profit for the first time under President Trump.

Musk, meanwhile, has "mused about the privatization of Amtrak, claiming that the railroad's service pales in comparison to the high-speed rail systems in other countries," said Bloomberg.