Amtrak lawsuit against Metro North centers on train access

An Amtrak lawsuit against Metro North concerns access for non-passenger Amtrak trains. The dispute involves the Hudson and New Haven Lines. Amtrak says Metro North has prevented those trains from operating. Amtrak points to what it describes as a long-standing agreement. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

What the Amtrak lawsuit against Metro North concerns?

WNYT reported that the dispute centers on non-passenger Amtrak train movements. Also, Amtrak’s Empire Line links Albany and New York City. After Poughkeepsie, the route becomes part of Metro North’s Hudson Line.

Meanwhile, Amtrak said the issue has continued for more than two months.

“Their actions are violating agreements we’ve had in place for more than 35 years, causing escalating harm to Amtrak’s operations, undermining safety-critical rail activity, disrupting service needed by millions of passengers, and putting the reliability of intercity rail service at risk,” Amtrak said.

CBS News New York said Amtrak called the trains essential for operational work. For example, they help test trains already used on routes to the capital region. In addition, they move new railcars to Albany before they enter service.

MTA agreement dispute over Metro North tracks

At the same time, the MTA, which owns Metro North, rejected Amtrak’s position. It said no agreement covers these non-passenger train movements. The MTA said the agreement in place applies only to Amtrak trains carrying passengers.

Separately, Metro North said earlier Amtrak non-passenger movements on its tracks were case-by-case.

MTA lawyers called Amtrak’s lawsuit “puzzling in light,” and said no agreement covered those trains.

Still, Metro North said it remains open to discussions with Amtrak on a fair arrangement. It said Amtrak would need to compensate the MTA for using Metro North tracks.

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