If enacted, this bill would significantly impact Amtrak's operational efficiency and service reliability by potentially enhancing on-time performance and reducing delays caused by freight train interference. Data suggests that the enforcement of preference rights directly correlates with improvements in operational statistics. Previous actions have shown that the enforcement of these rights led to substantial increases in Amtrak's on-time performance, significantly benefiting passengers and operational costs. The bill is expected to address the need for equitable treatment in rail transportation, ensuring that passenger services can function more effectively within the rail system.
Summary
House Bill 9961, also known as the Rail Passenger Fairness Act, seeks to empower Amtrak to bring civil actions in federal district court to enforce its preference rights over freight transportation. According to section 24308(c) of title 49, United States Code, intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation is to be given preference over freight transportation on rail lines, junctions, or crossings. The bill aims to provide Amtrak with a mechanism to effectively enforce this preference, a right they have struggled to uphold due to various limitations in enforcement mechanisms historically placing the power solely within the attorney general's purview.
Contention
Opposition to the bill may stem from concerns among freight carriers about the implications of prioritizing passenger transport at their expense. The bill may generate debate over the extent of interference that passenger trains should have over freight operations, with stakeholders potentially arguing that such changes could disrupt freight scheduling and capacity management. Moreover, the established practice of giving freight trains priority due to their cargo implications might be challenged, fostering discussions about broader transportation policy reforms and resource allocation among rail services.
A bill to establish a State rail formula grant program, to direct Federal Railroad Administration to create a Green Railroads Fund, to expand passenger rail programs, to address air quality concerns, to establish rail workforce training centers, and for other purposes.
Relating to the creation of and the powers of a comprehensive multimodal urban transportation authority, including the power to impose taxes, issue bonds, and exercise limited eminent domain authority.