CSX, NS seek STB mediation in Amtrak Gulf Coast case

CSX, Norfolk Southern Railway, the Alabama State Port Authority and its affiliated railroad are asking the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to order mediation with Amtrak over the national passenger railroad's proposed Gulf Coast service.

In a filing with the STB last week, the Class Is, port and Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks noted that, during a recent public hearing on the case, both sides expressed a willingness to discuss their differences over freight-rail service concerns that could occur if Amtrak reintroduces passenger-rail service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, on track owned by CSX and NS.

Amtrak hasn't operated Gulf Coast service since Hurricane Katrina struck the region in 2005.

"Considering all of the parties' willingness to discuss settlement, the joint parties request the board to expeditiously direct the parities to participate in board-sponsored mediation," the Class Is and port stated in their filing.

In a response to the request, Amtrak officials said board-sponsored mediation at this time is premature.

"Although Amtrak believes an amicable resolution of this matter may be possible, Amtrak opposes the motion for board-sponsored mediation as yet another attempt to further delay a process that has already been delayed far too long," Amtrak's filing states.

The Class Is' and port's motion assumes that infrastructure construction is necessary for Amtrak to resume Gulf Coast service, which Amtrak disputes.

Amtrak asked the STB to postpone a decision on the mediation request until after an April 4 evidentiary hearing on the case.