It has been evident that the new administration hasn’t been afraid to cut funding for projects related to Amtrak. The goal is to improve infrastructure efficiency, particularly in the short term.
Not only is Amtrak taking up those initiatives, but they are still managing to create positive hype. Images of the new Airo Train just went viral, and passengers are stunned by how sleek the new train looks. For many, its 2026 debut can’t come soon enough, as the train is currently in its testing phase.
Putting the Airo train aside, Amtrak just agreed to a significant new deal alongside an AI-driven company. The partnership is an exciting one, and, given the details of the company attached to Amtrak, it should certainly make for a much more efficient process, especially when it comes to new routes for the future and significant projects that require underground work.
Here’s what we know about the latest deal, and why it benefits both Amtrak and DOGE.
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Amtrak just released photos of its groundbreaking Airo train.
Amtrak’s New Deal With Exodigo Aims At Making The Infrastructure Industry More Efficient
Under DOGE, Amtrak’s primary focus has shifted toward efficiency, while also reducing costs. In doing so, we have seen Amtrak delve into AI projects with new partnerships more than once in recent months.
Dating back to May, Amtrak has enhanced its forecast accuracy, inking a new deal with J.P. Morgan’s AI-powered Cash Flow Intelligence. The move was seen as positive, allowing Amtrak to access advanced real-time data while controlling its liquidity and, once again, upping its long-term infrastructure goals.
Fast-forward to two months later, and Amtrak is at it again. This time, partnering up with Exodigo.
Trainsfan, Wikimedia Commons
The first westbound Amtrak Borealis train sitting at Saint Paul Union Depot after its first run from Chicago in May 2024
Amtrak has just partnered with a new construction company that specifically uses AI to see underground.
How Exodigo uses AI to its advantage:
3D imaging
Historical records
Satellite imagery
All three of the listed elements are used to collect data underground, making the process efficient once again and reducing costs. Building such a map without having to dig can be vital for new projects. This is precisely what Amtrak was looking for.
According to FOX5, Amtrak has major plans alongside its new partner, which include the replacement of both the Bush River and Gunpowder River in Maryland. The plan also includes upgrading sections of the Northeast Corridor.
Jeremy Suard, co-founder and CEO of Exodigo, explained how the connection with Amtrak came about.
“It’s very hard for government organizations to procure startup products because they have to change the way they procure. So typically, to help with that, we partner with engineering firms and that’s specifically how we’re contracted with Amtrak, for example.”
Suard added, “But what we find out is all across the board, whether it’s highways, dots, rail transit. Then those organizations understand they need to change how things are done,”
Given Exodigo’s overall vision, the partnership truly is exactly what DOGE is looking for out of Amtrak and its new direction.
What We Know About Exodigo And Why They’re Ideal For Amtrak
So how does Exodigo use its technology to its advantage? According to their website, it all stems around Systematic Scanning. The company doesn’t use the typical “follow the line” method.
They wrote, “We scan entire areas in a crisscross, snake path pattern using our proprietary platform and transmitters to capture an unprecedented density of data points. This approach removes human error and bias from the scanning process and maximizes the completeness of the data we collect.”
The process aims for pinpoint accuracy without the traditional measures underground.
“Exodigo scans every square foot/meter of the terrain to uncover all known and unknown subsurface assets, agnostic of external inputs.”
The real kicker of this data process is how it doesn’t interfere with surface objects, nor does it break the ground or disconnect any of the utilities. Once again, the process is smooth and efficient.
Ultimately, the move is yet another positive step for Amtrak, especially considering that concerns about privatization had been increasing earlier in the year.
Now, the situation is stable, with Amtrak developing new initiatives for its future.
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Concerns By DOGE To Privatize Amtrak Have Been Reduced In Recent Months
Back in March, Amtrak was in a completely different place. Morale was at an all-time low following Elon Musk’s announcement of privatization.
He said at the time:
“Amtrak is a sad situation. It’s like, if you’re coming from another country, please don’t use our national rail. It can leave you with a very bad impression of America,” Musk said.
He added, “I think we should privatize anything that can be privatized, just so you’ve got a feedback loop for improvement, is what happens when something’s privatized. Basically, something’s got to have some chance of going bankrupt or there’s not a good feedback loop for improvement.”
The statement caused both internal and external chaos. Amtrak’s former CEO Stephen Gardner stepped down, while other experts called the future privatization plan a “spectacularly bad idea.”
No guarantees can be made about what the future may hold, but if these recent weeks are any indication, it is clear that Amtrak is here to stay. Its latest advancements suggest a shift in focus, as it continues to work toward greater efficiency.
Be sure to let us know your thoughts on Amtrak’s latest efforts. Is this latest deal a positive? Is Amtrak’s new direction the proper long-term plan to take? Chime in down below.