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:
New Orleans-Mobile Amtrak Service in Development Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Amtrak has confirmed its intention to begin service between New Orleans, La., and Mobile, Ala., in 2022. But a stakeholder agreement has not yet been reached.
There is a good deal of controversy swirling around proposed new intercity passenger rail service between New Orleans, La., and Mobile, Ala., involving Amtrak, two Class I railroads, a multi-state agency and a major Alabama port.
Though Amtrak confirmed its intention to begin the service in 2022, an actual start date is far from being finalized. The plan calls for Amtrak to operate two daily round-trips currently dubbed