Re:The TSA is a waste of money that doesn't save lives and m...
by owie829 on Wednesday May 18, 2016 @05:19PM
(#11726065)
Amtrak gets priority when it is on time. The problem is that Amtrak is never on time. Don't blame the freight companies for that.
Re:The TSA is a waste of money that doesn't save lives and m...
by tzs on Wednesday May 18, 2016 @06:15PM
(#11726447)
I've seen a couple sites say that Amtrak has priority only when on time, and others that say it doesn't matter whether or not they are on time. None of the former that I've seen have provided a cite for the on time claim, though.
49 USC 24308 (c) says:
"Preference Over Freight Transportation. - Except in an emergency, intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation provided by or for Amtrak has preference over freight transportation in using a rail line, junction, or crossing unless the Board orders otherwise under this subsection. A rail carrier affected by this subsection may apply to the Board for relief. If the Board, after an opportunity for a hearing under section 553 of title 5, decides that preference for intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation materially will lessen the quality of freight transportation provided to shippers, the Board shall establish the rights of the carrier and Amtrak on reasonable terms."
Trains have their delays, too, such as long waits on passing sidings to clear the way for freight trains. Much of Amtrak's routes (72% by mileage) are on freight company owned rails that Amtrak pays for access to.
The freight companies gives their own trains priority over Amtrak. They are supposed to give Amtrak priority, but there is little effort spend on enforcement.