CSX, NS: Amtrak Gulf Coast service would 'impair' freight-rail service

CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway have asked the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to deny Amtrak’s application to restore Gulf Coast passenger-rail service because it would “impair unreasonably” freight transportation in the corridor.

In a filing with the STB, CSX and NS say they're providing evidence — based on a 2021 Gulf Coast Rail Traffic Control (RTC) model and report — that shows how Amtrak’s proposed rail service would impair service by CSX and NS and could impair freight service by other railroads that interchange with traffic using the New Orleans gateway.

A 2019 case study shows that the corridor’s existing infrastructure can adequately accommodate current freight-service levels, while anticipated additional freight infrastructure improvements will support increases in freight volumes into 2039, CSX and NS say. However, without additional infrastructure work to accommodate passenger trains the Amtrak service would cause “substantial and immediate harm” to CSX’s and NS’s service to their customers, according to the STB document.

Among the challenges to opening the corridor to Amtrak service: the corridor’s physical limitations are unique compared to other lines over which Amtrak train operates; the rail corridor has “unusually high” freight demands; and Amtrak’s proposed service would operate in peak freight-service hours, the Class Is say.

Earlier this year, Amtrak announced that it wanted to reintroduce passenger rail to the Gulf Coast corridor between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama, in early 2022.
 The region has been without Amtrak service since Hurricane Katrina destroyed rail infrastructure there in 2005.

In their filing dated Nov. 3, CSX and NS asked the board to deny Amtrak’s request to operate in the region unless the intercity passenger railroad agrees to fund and construct a “full slate” of proposed passenger-rail infrastructure prior to launching the service and meet other negotiated terms and conditions, including maintenance and operating costs.

Amtrak is reviewing the freight railroads' STB filing and will respond accordingly, an Amtrak spokesman said.

To review the CSX and NS filing, click here.