WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 3, 2019) – On June 3, the Supreme Court gave passenger rail a huge victory by allowing the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Amtrak to set on time performance standards, a crucial measure to increase the reliability of passenger rail service. The Court rejected the Association of American Railroads’ petition to appeal last year’s decision in favor of Amtrak from the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. Amtrak first tried to set on time performance standards in 2008, but has been battling in the courts to do so for years.

The Southern Rail Commission (SRC) celebrates this decision and believes it will benefit the many Americans throughout the country who rely on trains to get to work and access their everyday needs. “This ruling opens the door to fixing one of the main issues with our passenger rail system,” said John Spain, Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission. “Increasing on time performance will increase the reliability of and trust in the system, and now Amtrak can finally take steps to do this. “

SRC, alongside the Rail Passengers Association and the Environmental Law and Policy Center, submitted an amicus curiae brief to the Court arguing in favor of this ruling.