As the evidentiary hearing regarding the reintroduction and expansion of Amtrak passenger train service between New Orleans and Mobile continues before the Surface Transportation Board, interesting operational cost-sharing questions have emerged regarding how Amtrak trains may be able to coexist with very long CSX freights.
Federal hearing on Amtrak’s planned Gulf Coast service powers on
The evidentiary hearing that the Surface Transportation Board is conducting this week on Amtrak’s request to restore Gulf Coast service between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans appears poised to stretch beyond its original two-day schedule as the board and witnesses wrangle over what is and isn’t within the board’s jurisdiction.
The first day of the hearing is available here, and the second day is available here.
Gulf Coast: STB Denies Mediation Request
With billions of dollars on the line, we must support Amtrak's return to the Gulf Coast
With the passage of the historic bipartisan infrastructure bill last year, Congress committed billions of dollars to make much-needed improvements across the United States. Included in these investments is the goal of expanding access to passenger rail across the nation. That goal, however, may be in jeopardy as the Surface Transportation Board (STB) considers restoring passenger service to the Gulf Coast in the face of mounting opposition from special interests.
Civic leaders optimistic about potential of Amtrak through ArkLaTex
North Louisiana and Texas could soon see a major development in transportation.
Amtrak is looking into connecting Dallas to Atlanta and the route would go through North Louisiana.
This is an idea that has been suggested for more than a decade, but now is right on the edge of becoming a reality. Creating passenger rail through Shreveport has encountered obstacles along the way. But now, circumstances have made it, not only possible, but likely.
Bossier City Council supports Amtrak passenger rail service
At its Tuesday March 15, 2022 regular meeting, the Bossier City Council unanimously approved a resolution of support for Amtrak passenger rail service along the Interstate 20 corridor through Bossier City.
Jack “Bump” Skaggs, President and CEO of the Coordinating and Development Corporation (CDC), addressed the Bossier City Council during Tuesday’s meeting as follows: “On this project, we are working with the I-20 Corridor Council, the Southern Rail Commission and Transpiration for America. For many years, you have heard that Amtrak would be coming through this area. However, it was never really a viable option with Kansas City Southern owning the rail. So with the merger of KCS and Canadian Pacific, Canadian Pacific is now a willing partner. We are requesting your support for Amtrak rail service to come through here. We’re not ready to work through where the stops are going to go. From an economic and community standpoint, we feel like it will be very impactful.”
Passenger rail service could change Vicksburg for the better
When it was formally announced this week that the Warren County Board of Supervisors and the Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Alderman both signed letters supporting the expansion of passenger rail service through Vicksburg and the Interstate 20 Corridor, residents clearly jumped for joy.
With latest Amtrak hearing delayed, Coast cities eagerly waiting to start depot renovations
Passenger rail service’s comeback on the Gulf Coast is potentially right around the corner, and South Mississippi cities are ready to go once they get the final green light to start renovations.
Officials in Pascagoula say Amtrak has agreed to replace the platform at the city’s depot, but there’s still no timeline on when that work will start.
The $375,000 renovation will be done using funds from a Southern Rail Commission grant, as well as county and city funds to make the parking improvements and improve lighting.
Vicksburg announces support of proposed Amtrak passenger train
The Warren County Board of Supervisors and Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen announced the signing of resolutions in support of Amtrak’s endeavor to provide a rail service across Mississippi.
Now, the expected route will have an updated start in Dallas, Tx., and end in Atlanta, Ga., with a spread across five states along the I-20 corridor route. Multiple stops are expected in Mississippi, in cities such as Vicksburg, Jackson, and Meridian.
STB postpones Amtrak Gulf Coast hearing to April
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has rescheduled the evidentiary hearing for the Amtrak Gulf Coast case to April 4-5.
The board changed the hearing's date after CSX asked that the proceeding be moved from March 9-10 to early April. None of the parties in the case opposed CSX's request.
The case involves Amtrak's petition calling on the STB to require CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway to allow the intercity passenger railroad to run its trains on the Class Is' line between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama.