Amtrak arbitration requirement is back before Congress, with lawmakers again pushing to remove the passenger rail operator’s mandatory arbitration rule. The bill focuses on ticket terms that can prevent riders from taking certain disputes to court.

Amtrak arbitration requirement returns to Congress
Photo: Alstom

Amtrak arbitration requirement and passenger rights

The Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act has been reintroduced in both chambers by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio and Brendan Boyle, both Democrats from Pennsylvania. It targets the policy Amtrak introduced in 2019, under which passengers waive their right to sue as part of the ticket purchase contract.

The issue applies to disputes that include personal injury claims and discrimination claims. Railway Supply previously covered the wider debate over Amtrak riders’ legal rights, including concerns about arbitration policies that limit access to court. Supporters of the bill say Amtrak passengers should not lose legal options simply because they bought a train ticket.

“Forced arbitration is an unjust and un-American practice, stripping individuals of their basic rights and restricting access to justice,” Blumenthal said in a press release. “With this bill, we make sure Amtrak can no longer implement their exploitative and unfair policies, providing Amtrak passengers with a track to justice and ensuring they can have their day in court.”

Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act returns

Deluzio presented the measure in similar terms, framing it as a protection for riders’ legal rights. “People should not have to sign away their basic right to seek justice if they are wronged when they ride a train. The Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act will protect riders’ rights when they take the train.”

Earlier versions of the bill were introduced in 2019 and 2021. Neither moved beyond committee, leaving the Amtrak forced arbitration policy in place.

The renewed effort is backed by groups including the American Association for Justice, Public Citizen, the National Disability Rights Network, and the Rail Passengers Association. The full text of the latest version of the bill has also been made available.