Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman announced on March 19, 2010 in his Special Employee Advisory, the creation of a new High Speed Rail Department to “pursue partnerships with states and others in the passenger rail industry to develop federally-designated high-speed rail corridors such as the new projects moving forward in California and Florida.”
The Department will also develop plans to significantly increase operating speeds on the Northeast Corridor.
In announcing the Department, Boardman touted Amtrak’s ability to play a major role in the developing high speed rail industry, saying “And most importantly we have an extremely skilled team of employees that is unmatched.”
TCU President Bob Scardelletti immediately announced support for Amtrak’s action.
“Amtrak should be and must be the leader in the new high speed rail renaissance championed by President Obama,” says Scardelletti. “Amtrak workers have the knowledge, experience and commitment to make Amtrak the provider of new high speed rail services.”
Scardelletti says TCU will work as closely as possible with Amtrak as they compete for new services. “Foreign and non-union companies are lining up to bid for these new opportunities,” says Scardelletti. “But only Amtrak has an experienced workforce ready to go. Our members are ready for the challenge.”
Click here to read Amtrak’s announcement of the High Speed Rail Department.
