CN’s U.S. rail subsidiaries — Illinois Central Railroad Company and Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company — and Amtrak have reached agreements that they say should strengthen their partnership and support safe, reliable passenger and freight service on CN’s U.S. rail network.
The parties have signed a new eight-year operating agreement governing Amtrak service on CN-owned rail lines. The agreement resolves a more than decade-long proceeding before the Surface Transportation Board concerning the terms and conditions for Amtrak services such as the City of New Orleans, Illini/Saluki, and Wolverine.
The operating agreement establishes an updated framework for CN and Amtrak to work together, including a revised performance payment system more closely aligned with the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) on-time performance standard, regular reviews of Amtrak’s schedules, and processes to address operational issues and resolve disputes.
In addition, the railroads will work together on a process for Amtrak to equip its trains operating on CN’s network with Onboard Shunt Enhancers, a technology that improves how trains are detected as they approach rail grade crossings.
OSEs help ensure crossing warning systems, including gates, flashing lights and bells, activate when they should. OSEs both improve safety and provide greater operating flexibility, supporting improved on-time performance for passenger rail service while helping freight and passenger traffic move efficiently across corridors Amtrak shares with CN.
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