Downs Resigns;  Board Commends his Outstanding Service

    WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ --  Thomas M. Downs, Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Amtrak, announced today that he
will resign his duties with the Corporation.  Amtrak's Board of Directors
has named George Warrington, President of the Northeast Corridor business
unit, to serve as acting President of the corporation during a search for
Mr. Downs' successor.
    "The past four years as head of Amtrak have been exciting, immensely
rewarding professionally, but also exhausting," said Downs, who came to
Amtrak as Chairman and President in 1993 after a long a distinguished
career in federal, state and local government, primarily in the area of
public transportation.
    "Although I have no immediate plans, it is time for me to move on to
new challenges and, hopefully, take some time off," Downs continued.  "I am
extremely proud of the progress Amtrak has made toward not only self-
sufficiency but a promising, growing role as America's national passenger
rail service.  In particular, our team at Amtrak has begun building a
world-class high speed rail system that will pay benefits to this country
well into the next century."
    U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater praised Downs for his
exceptional performance in leading Amtrak through its most difficult years.
"Every American who relies on Amtrak service owes Tom Downs a debt of
gratitude for his outstanding leadership of Amtrak during challenging
times," Slater said.  "I've had the privilege of working closely with Tom
since 1993 and have seen Tom work tirelessly, especially during the recent
management- labor discussions, to secure a brighter future for Amtrak."
    Amtrak's Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution commending
Downs for his achievements in helping the Corporation become more business
and customer oriented, obtaining outstanding gains in revenues and
ridership during his tenure, and for leading the recent fight for a $2.3
billion dedicated capital improvements fund for Amtrak.
    "Tom Downs rebuilt Amtrak into a national rail passenger system of
which this country can be proud," said Board Vice-Chairman Don Pease.  "Not
only the train-riding public, but taxpayers and the entire country, owe Tom
its gratitude for making rail passenger service more reliable, safer and
attractive.  He is also to be especially commended for his successful
commitment to keeping nearly the entire country connected to Amtrak service
during a time of dwindling federal operating support.  We will miss his
energy and his dedication."
    Mr. Warrington has served as head of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor
operations since July 1994.  The NEC is Amtrak's most profitable and
heavily- used service.  "I am honored that the Directors have confidence in
my leadership to guide Amtrak through this transition to a new, permanent
President and CEO," said Warrington, "but I will deeply miss the leadership
and skills of my close friend and mentor, Tom Downs."

SOURCE  Amtrak
    -0-                             12/10/97
    /CONTACT:  Clifford Black of Amtrak, 202-906-3860/ CO:  Amtrak ST: 
District of Columbia