WASHINGTON — In the latest step in its ongoing investigation into on-time performance for Amtrak’s Sunset Limited, the Surface Transportation Board has asked the passenger operator and the train’s host railroads to answer a series of detailed questions on delays encountered during specific runs by the train and other operational details along the train’s route.
The decision issued today (Feb. 13, 2024) offers insight into the level of detail being considered by the board, and its Office of Passenger Rail, in conducting the investigation requested by Amtrak in 2022 [see “Amtrak asks federal regulators to investigate …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 9, 2022].
It asks BNSF, Canadian National, the New Orleans Public Belt, and Union Pacific to provide information on slow orders on a handful of specific subdivisions; and such details as who controls signals and switches at specific junctions and the design and current speed limits at a designated diamond; the length of time Amtrak holds the Sunset at San Antonio for its connection with the Texas Eagle, and the passenger carrier’s efforts to mitigate engine-caused delays.
It also asks for explanations from host railroads on each delay for the 40 trips — 20 in each direction — that incurred the most delays in minutes attributable to the hosts, as well as individual host-responsible delays of 90 minutes or more not included in that first list. The 48-page appendix covering these trips, and the 44 individual delays — 43 of which are on Union Pacific — make up the bulk of the board’s 55-page decision.
Responses from Amtrak and the railroads are due by April 15.
Amtrak said in a statement that it “will review the order and respond to the Board accordingly.”
— Updated at 1:22 p.m. CT with Amtrak statement.
More delay, delay, delay! The STB will have to consult with the FRA about many of these class 1 delays? another round Appril 15th ?