Alabama State Port Authority

STB to Amtrak, CSX, NS, Port: Procedural Schedule Amended (UPDATED Nov. 11)

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Nov. 10 granted a joint motion to amend the procedural schedule of its decision on the dispute between Amtrak on one side and CSX, Norfolk Southern (NS), and the Alabama State Port Authority and its Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks division (collectively, the Port) on the other for Gulf Coast passenger rail service. The Board had previously granted an extension to Dec. 1 of mediation.

Amtrak, CSX, NS, Port to STB: Extend Mediation

All parties in the Gulf Coast case are in agreement—on the extension of mediation. Amtrak on one side and CSX, Norfolk Southern (NS), and the Alabama State Port Authority and its Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks division (collectively, the Port) on the other are jointly calling on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to order a 30-day extension.

The Port of Mobile broke 50,000 TEUs for the first time since container port operations began in 2009.

Port of Mobile Posts Record July

The Alabama Port Authority announced Aug. 15 that July was the busiest month ever at the Port of Mobile for containerized cargo, breaking 50,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) for the first time

More than 300 people rode Amtrak’s Gulf Coast Inspection Train (pictured) from New Orleans to Jacksonville, Fla., in February 2016, as part of an ongoing effort to restore passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast, which was disrupted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and never resumed. (Marc Glucksman, Amtrak)

Gulf Coast: Class I’s, Port Seek Mediation. Amtrak Says ‘No’

Surface Transportation Board-sponsored mediation is the best means “to facilitate a prompt and orderly commencement of Gulf Coast passenger service while protecting the customers and shipping partners that rely on quality freight rail service,” according to Norfolk Southern (NS), CSX, and the Alabama State Port Authority and its Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks division (collectively, the Port). While Amtrak opposes their recent joint motion for mediation, all parties agree that an “amicable resolution” may be possible.

Commentary

STB Sets Gulf Coast Hearing, But Amtrak Loses Pre-Hearing Round

Decision Day draws closer in the tussle between Amtrak and potential host railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern (NS) before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) over whether or not there will be passenger trains running between New Orleans and Mobile in the near future.

CN + KCS Proposal: Stakeholders Speak Out (UPDATED)

Customers and other stakeholders are voicing support as well as concerns to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) about CN’s proposed combination with Kansas City Southern (KCS), according to simultaneous press releases from CN and Canadian Pacific.

In late February, Amtrak confirmed its intention to begin service between New Orleans and Mobile in 2022. But a stakeholder agreement had not yet been reached.

Gulf Coast Service? Not So Fast, Say CSX, NS

“Unripe.” That is what CSX and Norfolk Southern (NS) have called Amtrak’s application with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) asking for an order requiring the freight railroads to permit access for twice daily round-trip passenger service between New Orleans and Mobile, starting on or about Jan. 1, 2022.