Gulf Coast Service? Not So Fast, Say CSX, NS
Gulf Coast Service? Not So Fast, Say CSX, NS Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
In late February, Amtrak confirmed its intention to begin service between New Orleans and Mobile in 2022. But a stakeholder agreement had not yet been reached.
“Unripe.” That is what CSX and Norfolk Southern (NS) have called Amtrak’s application with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) asking for an order requiring the freight railroads to permit access for twice daily round-trip passenger service between New Orleans and Mobile, starting on or about Jan. 1, 2022.
In their April 5 STB filing, CSX and NS called for the dismissal of Amtrak’s application for these reasons:
Amtrak Playing Hardball With CSX, NS on Gulf Coast Service (Updated)
Amtrak Playing Hardball With CSX, NS on Gulf Coast Service (Updated) Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
More than 300 people rode Amtrak’s Gulf Coast Inspection Train (pictured) from New Orleans to Jacksonville, Fla., in February 2016, as part of an ongoing effort to restore passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast, which was disrupted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and never resumed. (Marc Glucksman, Amtrak)
In a move that appears to be a pre-emptive strike, Amtrak has asked the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to intervene on its behalf if CSX and Norfolk Southern don’t cooperate on hosting proposed new service between New Orleans and Mobile.