Amtrak appoints Murphy GM of long-distance services

Amtrak has named Mark Murphy general manager of long distance services.

He will be based in Chicago and oversee safety, customer satisfaction, ridership, on-time performance and financial results for the long-distance business line. Murphy will report to DJ Stadtler, vice president of operations, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

Murphy joined Amtrak in 1976. Most recently, he served as deputy chief mechanical officer of terminal operations in Wilmington, Del. His railroad career has included such positions as terminal superintendent-Washington division; assistant VP of service operations; superintendent of equipment standards and compliance; and master mechanic-Central Division.

In his new role, Murphy will be responsible for the functions of the transportation, mechanical and engineering departments within a common business line for Amtrak's 15 long-distance services. In addition, Amtrak's new route directors — who are responsible for profit and loss, business planning and decision-making for specific long-distance trains — will report to him.