STB denies mediation request in Amtrak Gulf Coast case

The Surface Transportation Board last week denied a motion by CSX, Norfolk Southern Railway and the Alabama Port Authority requesting that the board order mediation for Amtrak’s application to operate Gulf Coast service.

CSX, NS and port officials in March asked the STB to order all parties into mediation, which if granted would have postponed the application’s evidentiary hearing scheduled to begin today. Amtrak replied to the Class Is’ and port’s request, arguing that the board should wait to decide on the request until after the hearing.

"The board favors resolution of disputes through mediation rather than formal proceedings. However, the board notes that mediation has not been requested or agreed to by all parties since this proceeding began more than a year ago," STB officials said in a press release.

Any party in the case may ask for mediation to resolve remaining issues after the evidentiary hearing is held, they said.