Union Pacific Reports Improved Sunset Limited Performance Amid Amtrak Scheduling Dispute

Union Pacific announced significant improvements in Sunset Limited’s performance, addressing Amtrak’s concerns about delays and scheduling disputes. The railroad emphasized infrastructure upgrades and operational adjustments to enhance reliability. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Union Pacific Improves Sunset Limited’s On-Time Performance

Union Pacific reported progress in resolving Sunset Limited delays, achieving contractual performance targets for ten months. The freight carrier highlighted reduced congestion and investments in expanded track capacity, improving reliability.

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Union Pacific’s efforts included adding 470 miles of second main track and 23 extended sidings since 2018. These upgrades, costing approximately $385 million, supported smoother operations and fewer disruptions along the Sunset Route.

Union Pacific Defends Scheduling and Dispatching Practices

Union Pacific rejected claims of preference violations, asserting that dispatching prioritized passenger trains without impacting freight operations. It called for collaborative scheduling adjustments with Amtrak to meet federal standards.

The company emphasized that congestion and crew shortages previously affected service, but operational improvements have minimized delays. Union Pacific also stated Amtrak’s refusal to modify schedules remains a primary barrier to compliance.

Union Pacific’s recent improvements include a 40% drop in freight-related delays, reflecting investments in infrastructure and scheduling strategies. The railroad urged regulators to prioritize cooperation over penalties, promoting realistic performance expectations.

The freight carrier pointed to $385 million in upgrades since 2018, demonstrating its commitment to improving capacity and reducing disruptions. Union Pacific stressed that Sunset Limited operations benefited directly from these investments.

Union Pacific also emphasized the importance of balancing freight and passenger demands, highlighting efforts to prioritize passenger trains whenever feasible. Dispatching protocols have improved, minimizing conflicts and ensuring smoother coordination.

The company challenged Amtrak’s claims regarding preference violations, citing data that supports consistent performance improvements. Union Pacific argued that ongoing disputes should focus on constructive solutions rather than regulatory penalties.

Union Pacific urged the Surface Transportation Board to encourage schedule revisions and collaborative planning with Amtrak. These adjustments, it argued, would align services with realistic goals and ensure compliance with federal standards.

The railroad concluded by reaffirming its commitment to infrastructure development and operational efficiency, calling for balanced approaches to regulatory challenges. Union Pacific emphasized the need for cooperation to achieve sustainable performance improvements.

Source: www.trains.com

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