BREAKING: Amtrak CEO Gardner steps down

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner has resigned and is leaving the organization, the railroad announced today. 

"I'm stepping down as CEO to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration. I am so proud of what the Amtrak team has accomplished to bring passenger rail service to more people and places across the country over these past 16 years, and I thank the board for their trust and support," Gardner said in a prepared statement posted on Amtrak's website.

"We did a lot together to make Amtrak safer, more modern and a better travel experience for all our customers," Gardner added. "From my start as an Amtrak intern back in the 1990s to ending as CEO, it has been my honor and privilege to lead this great American company, and I wish Amtrak every success. See you on the rails."

Gardner's carefully worded statement did not list a specific reason for his resignation at this time. Amtrak's board issued a statement, but did not explain the reason for Gardner's departure. The board's statement reads as follows:

"As Stephen departs today, we thank him for his 16 years of service to Amtrak. We will build on his accomplishments and wish him every success. We look forward to working with President Trump and Secretary [Sean] Duffy as we build the world-class passenger rail system this country deserves."

Rail Passengers Association President and CEO Jim Mathews said that under Gardner's leadership Amtrak recommitted to a national passenger-rail network, while making concrete investments to improve service.

“In every interaction I’ve had with Stephen – and there were many – there was never any doubt that he loved trains, loved passenger rail and loved Amtrak. He has been a good colleague and a great partner to this Association," Mathews said in a prepared statement. "We wish him every success, and look forward to continuing to work with President Roger Harris as Amtrak continues to grow and modernize.”

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.