The Justice Department filed a complaint on Tuesday against Norfolk Southern, a prominent freight railroad company, for allegedly violating federal law by delaying Amtrak passenger trains on the route from New Orleans to New York. The complaint, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, states that Norfolk Southern did not give Amtrak passenger trains the required preference over freight trains, leading to significant delays and disruptions.
Allegations Against Norfolk Southern
The Justice Department’s complaint alleges that Norfolk Southern routinely failed to prioritize Amtrak passenger trains over freight trains, contrary to federal law. This failure to comply with regulations resulted in widespread delays that adversely affected passengers, Amtrak’s financial performance, and passenger rail transportation overall.
Attorney General’s Statement
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the importance of adherence to the law in ensuring efficient rail transportation. He stated, “Americans should not experience travel delays because rail carriers break the law,” underscoring the necessity for Norfolk Southern to comply with the legal requirement of giving preference to Amtrak passenger trains.
Examples of Delay Incidents
The complaint highlights specific instances where Norfolk Southern’s actions led to notable delays. One incident on January 1 saw an Amtrak train near New Orleans delayed for almost an hour as it was made to follow a slow-moving freight train. In another case, an Amtrak train was held up for over an hour to allow three freight trains to pass, further illustrating the impact of Norfolk Southern’s non-compliance with the law.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
