DOJ Settles with Norfolk Southern Over Amtrak Delays

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice announced a settlement involving the Trump administration and Norfolk Southern regarding delays that allegedly favored freight trains over Amtrak’s Crescent route.

This agreement aims to address claims that Amtrak’s passenger trains were being delayed due to federal law allowing freight prioritization. A press release emphasized the need for this resolution.

As part of the settlement, Norfolk Southern will now give the highest priority to all Amtrak trains. Employees will be trained specifically to ensure Amtrak trains are prioritized, meaning any decision to delay those trains in urgent situations will need supervisor approval.

This latest agreement follows a year after the Environmental Protection Agency reached a settlement with Norfolk Southern post a derailment incident in East Palestine, Ohio, during Biden’s presidency.

The 2023 settlement was valued at about $310 million, resulting from a major chemical spill due to the derailment. Of that, approximately $235 million was allocated for cleanup efforts, alongside a $15 million penalty for breaches of the Clean Water Act.

Deputy Attorney General Brett Schmate stated that Americans using trains deserve to travel without undue delays from rail companies that don’t prioritize Amtrak. He expressed that this settlement reflects the DOJ’s dedication to ensuring smooth travel on American trains.

In response to the settlement, Norfolk Southern indicated it underscores their ongoing efforts to prioritize Amtrak as mandated by law, establishing a framework for consistent reviews of dispatcher training and procedures to address delays.

They also noted their appreciation for the collaborative approach that led to this amicable resolution.