Amtrak turns 45, recognized as a top employer

Amtrak earlier this week marked its 45th anniversary and was recognized for being a "top employer" by two separate magazines.

Amtrak began operations over a national network serving 43 states and the District of Columbia on May 1, 1971. Congress created the intercity passenger railroad, formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corp., the year before.

Over the past 45 years, the railroad subsequently consolidated the services of a dozen other railroads, expanded service in partnership with the federal and state governments, launched the Acela Express, created eTicketing and mobile app services, and added Wi-Fi connections on many of it busiest trains, according to an Amtrak blog post by President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Boardman.

"Looking to the future of intercity passenger rail, our vision incorporates new and rebuilt infrastructure, next-generation equipment, reimagined stations and customer experience enhancements shaped by your feedback," wrote Boardman, who will retire later this year after leading the railroad for nearly eight years.

"In the next few years, expect to see additional single-level dining and sleeping cars enter service on Eastern trains, as well as new high-speed train sets on the NEC," he added. "I believe we can and will continue to build an even better Amtrak in the years to come."

Meanwhile, Amtrak was recognized as one of the "Top 50 STEM Jobs Approved Employers." The railroad placed sixth on the list created by STEM Jobs magazine. Also, Forbes magazine named Amtrak one of "America's Best Employers 2016."