Federal regulators to review Amtrak's request to restore Gulf Coast service.

Amtrak, CSX and Norfolk Southern to present findings to STB throughout the fall.

The Surface Transportation Board has determined that it will review Amtrak’s request to restore Gulf Coast service, dismissing calls by Class I railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern to deny the request because of concerns about how the passenger rail service might affect freight rail operations.

Amtrak wants to run passenger trains between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. But the service would run on lines owned by CSX (NASDAQ: CSX) and NS (NYSE: NSC), and both railroads, along with the Port of Mobile and a number of Alabama shippers, had wanted a study completed beforehand to assess how the passenger rail service would affect freight rail and port operations.

The STB’s decision on Friday institutes a proceeding for evaluating Amtrak’s request, as well as sets a procedural schedule. The decision also appoints an administrative law judge to resolve initially all discovery disputes.

According to the procedural schedule, CSX, NS and Amtrak will be filing material to the agency by certain dates in October, November and December. By Dec. 16, the last date given, there will be a proposal on the hearing format.'>>>

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/federal-regulators-to-review-amtraks-request-to-restore-gulf-coast-service