Amtrak threatens to cut Boston rail service

By Nicole Dungca Globe Staff August 26, 2016
nicole.dungca@globe.com
http://twitter.com/ndungca

Amtrak is threatening to cut rail service from Boston to New York and Washington, D.C., a nearly unthinkable move that would upend countless commutes, because of a legal dispute with the MBTA.

While it’s highly unlikely it will ever be carried out, the threat filed in court by Amtrak this week is the latest salvo in an increasingly contentious lawsuit initiated by the MBTA in January.

After Amtrak requested nearly $30 million from the MBTA for maintenance it performs along the tracks, the T sued Amtrak, alleging it was violating an existing agreement.

In a counterclaim, Amtrak now says the MBTA itself is violating part of that agreement by refusing to pay for additional maintenance outside of the money Amtrak has already requested — and that the T owes Amtrak at least $175,106 more.