Amtrak, CN reach new operating agreement

CN and Amtrak have signed a new eight-year operating agreement that amicably ends a more than decade-long proceeding before the Surface Transportation Board concerning Amtrak's City of New Orleans, Illini, Saluki and Wolverine services, among others.

The agreement establishes an updated framework for CN and Amtrak to work together; it includes a revised performance payment system more closely aligned with the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) on-time performance standard, regular review of Amtrak's schedules and processes to address operational issues and resolve disputes, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

Additionally, the parties formed an agreement to work together on a process for Amtrak to equip its trains running on CN's network with onboard shunt enhancers (OSEs), a technology that improves how trains are detected as they approach grade crossings. The OSEs will help ensure crossing warning systems activate when they should to improve safety, operational flexibility and on-time performance.

Installation of the OSEs is supported by FRA funding and builds on more than a decade of research and testing led by CN, Amtrak and the FRA, Amtrak officials said.

"CN is pleased to have reached agreements that allow us to move forward with a clear framework for safely and efficiently sharing our network," said Patrick Whitehead, CN executive vice president and chief operating officer. "Together with the deployment of OSE technology, these agreements will support safer grade crossings and reliable passenger and freight service."