Former Amtrak CEO Boardman dies

Former Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Boardman has died, according to a statement issued today by Amtrak. He was 70.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Boardman," said the joint statement from Amtrak Chairman Tony Coscia and President and CEO Richard Anderson.

Boardman led Amtrak from 2008 to 2016, when he retired. He also served as administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration from 2005 to 2008 during President George W. Bush's administration.

During his tenure as FRA administrator, and Amtrak leader and board member, Boardman "was a tireless advocate for passenger rail and the nation’s mobility," Coscia and Anderson said.

"During his eight years at the helm, Joe helped the company make significant progress in reducing our debt, improving our infrastructure and raising our cost recovery performance," they said.

The Amtrak statement included no details about Boardman's passing.

During his FRA tenure, Boardman served as the U.S. Department of Transportation designee on Amtrak's board. He also served stints as chairman of the Executive Committee of the Transportation Research Board, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' Standing Committee on Rail Transportation. Prior to joining the FRA, Boardman served as commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation for eight years.

Boardman "leaves a lasting legacy that includes public service and making passenger rail transportation better for millions of people," said Coscia and Anderson.