Amtrak To Give SMART-TD Members Holiday Bonuses

In a significant departure from years of controversy over executive-only bonuses, Amtrak’s Board of Directors has ended its longstanding practice of reserving year-end incentive payments exclusively for senior leadership. This year, Amtrak has voted to reduce executive bonuses by half and redistribute those funds to the front-line professionals who directly serve passengers every day.

The result: more than 18,000 Amtrak employees (including SMART-TD conductors, assistant conductors, on-board service personnel, and other front-line team members) will receive a $900 holiday bonus this December.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) informed SMART-TD of this decision on December 11. This change marks the first time in recent memory that Amtrak’s bonus structure meaningfully includes unionized front-line workers.

This shift follows years of criticism from SMART-TD and media outlets (most notably the New York Post) over Amtrak’s executive compensation practices. Even when the railroad faced deficits or operational challenges, senior executives collected substantial bonuses while conductors, engineers, and other essential workers who directly deliver passenger service were excluded.

A Record-Setting Year and Recognition for the Workforce That Delivered It

This year’s change comes as Amtrak celebrates its most successful year to date. In 2025, the railroad safely transported the most passengers since its founding in 1971. This milestone was made possible only through the dedication, professionalism, and long hours of front-line employees.

“The acknowledgment of our members’ role in this historic ridership year is meaningful,” SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson said. “Our crews answered the bell and delivered record-setting service.”

SMART-TD Welcomes the New Bonus Structure

President Ferguson also praised the decision to prioritize the people who operate America’s passenger rail system:

“SMART-TD appreciates Amtrak’s decision to prioritize the men and women who keep our passenger rail system running every day. Providing frontline employees with a meaningful bonus is an important acknowledgment of their dedication and service, especially during the holiday season. We thank the Trump administration for supporting this effort to recognize the hardworking employees who make Amtrak strong.”

FRA and USDOT: Executive Bonuses Rebalanced, Front-Line Bonuses Added

According to information released by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FRA, Amtrak executives will forgo 50% of what they would have received under the former incentive structure

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy stated:

“This administration cares about the hardworking men and women who keep this country moving… We rely on our incredible workforce, including our unionized workers at Amtrak, to make it all possible.”

SMART-TD wants to acknowledge the role the Trump Administration played in pressing for the inclusion of front-line workers in this year’s bonus distribution. Their engagement contributed to the corrective action on an issue that has been of deep concern to our membership for years.

A Turning Point for Amtrak’s Workforce

For SMART-TD members, this year’s $900 bonus represents more than a financial benefit. It reflects long-sought recognition of their essential role in the success, safety, and reliability of the national passenger rail network.

As Amtrak closes out a historic year of ridership and revenue, SMART-TD will continue advocating for fair compensation, improved working conditions, and a bonus structure that places value where it truly belongs: with the men and women who move America.