Senate confirms Bose as FRA administrator

The U.S. Senate yesterday confirmed Amit Bose as the 15th administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

President Joe Biden nominated Bose for the position on April 22, 2021. Bose is currently the FRA’s deputy administrator.

As administrator, Bose will lead FRA's safety regulatory oversight of more than 800 freight and passenger railroads, national rail policy, planning and environmental activities, as well as the agency’s financial assistance grant programs.

"From his work with New Jersey Transit to his leadership at FRA during two administrations, Amit has spent his distinguished career supporting America’s railways," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a press release.

Previously, Bose worked at architectural and engineering firm HNTB. During President Barack Obama’s administration, Bose served as the FRA’s director of governmental affairs, senior adviser, chief counsel and ultimately as deputy administrator. He also served in the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary as associate general counsel and deputy assistant secretary for governmental affairs.

Prior to that time, Bose worked for New Jersey Transit, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, as a transportation staffer in the U.S. Congress and in private practice in Georgia, where he focused on land use, environmental and municipal law.

Rail industry officials offered statements on Bose’s confirmation. They can be read here:
• from Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies;
• from American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association President Chuck Baker;
• from American Public Transportation Association President and CEO Paul Skoutelas; and
• from the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association;
• from Railway Supply Institute President Patty Long; and
• from Rail Passengers Association President and CEO Jim Mathews.