Amtrak, CSX, NS ask STB to extend mediation period in Gulf Coast case

Amtrak, CSX, Norfolk Southern Railway, the Alabama State Port Authority and its Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks yesterday jointly asked the Surface Transportation Board to extend the mediation period for the parties to settle a dispute over proposed Amtrak service along the Gulf Coast.

The STB on June 10 issued a decision resolving a number of issues between the parties and ordered a mediation period set to end today. But the railroads and port authority now want a 30-day extension to continue mediation talks.

The dispute involves Amtrak’s application asking the STB to require CSX and NS to allow the national intercity passenger railroad to relaunch service on the Class Is’ track between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. CSX and NS are opposed to Amtrak’s request until certain conditions are met. The port authority and its railroad later joined CSX and NS in opposition to Amtrak’s proposal.

In their joint filing posted yesterday, the parties asked the STB to extend the 30-day mediation period starting tomorrow. Under the board’s rules, the initial mediation period may be extended for additional periods of time not to exceed 30 days per period.