Empire Builder route not impacted by Amtrak cuts

CHICAGO (KMOT) – Amtrak’s Empire Builder route, which crosses east and west through North Dakota and Montana from Chicago to the West Coast, will not be impacted by a recent round of layoffs, according to a spokesman for the company.

Marc Magliari shared a statement from Amtrak, saying they were eliminating roughly 450 roles as part of a “reduction-in-force process, and cutting of open positions.”

The statement said the cuts, along with other cost-saving measures, would save Amtrak $100 million annually.

The Empire Builder makes stops throughout North Dakota in Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Rugby, Minot, Stanley and Williston.

Here’s the full statement from Amtrak:

“Amtrak has recently completed a review of its costs and management structure and identified opportunities to better align resources with the important work we are doing for America. Through a reduction-in-force process, and cutting of open positions, Amtrak has eliminated approximately 450 roles. This workforce adjustment, combined with other recent cost-saving actions, will help Amtrak save $100 million annually.”