STB denies Class Is' motion to dismiss Amtrak Gulf Coast case

[Editor's note: This article has been updated on Aug. 9.]

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has denied a motion from CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway to dismiss Amtrak’s request for the board to require the two Class Is to allow the national intercity passenger railroad to relaunch a Gulf Coast passenger-rail service.

In a ruling dated Aug. 5, the STB denied the Class Is’ motion to dismiss, rejected as moot a request for an interim order regarding track access by Amtrak, established a procedural schedule and appointed an administrative law judge to resolve disputes in the matter. The board’s decision can be read here.

In a separate motion, the STB agreed to institute a proceeding on Amtrak's application regarding a board order that would require CSX and NS to allow the national passenger railroad to operate trains over their lines along the Gulf Coast between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama.

Earlier this year, Amtrak announced plans to introduce passenger-rail service starting Jan. 1, 2022, between New Orleans and Mobile. The region has been without passenger service since Hurricane Katrina damaged rail infrastructure there in 2005.

Amtrak, CSX and NS have been unable to reach an agreement that would enable Amtrak to use the Class Is' track and property to restore passenger-rail service. In March, Amtrak petitioned the STB to force the two Class Is to provide it the access it says it needs.

In response to the STB decision, Amtrak officials today issued the following statement on Friday:

"Amtrak thanks the Surface Transportation Board for its decision to dismiss CSX and NS' attempt to block Gulf Coast passenger-rail service. This upholds Amtrak's right to petition the Board for rail access and sets a schedule for a transparent process that will produce an outcome by the end of this year. In the meantime, Amtrak is working with the Southern Rail Commission to take steps to begin to operate Gulf Coast service as soon as possible next year."

Meanwhile, a CSX spokesperson shared the following statement in an email sent Friday: "CSX is evaluating the decision, but will plan to move forward with the schedule established by the STB."