Freight Trains vs. Amtrak on Shared Tracks: An Analysis

In the United States, the interplay between freight trains and Amtrak on shared tracks is a complex one. Typically, freight trains have priority over Amtrak. This article delves into the reasons behind this priority, the impact on Amtrak schedules, and the regulations in place to ensure fair treatment.

Priority and Infrastructure Ownership

The predominant reason for freight trains receiving priority over Amtrak on shared tracks is the ownership and management of most U.S. railroad infrastructure by freight rail companies. Major freight railroads such as CSX, Union Pacific, and Norfolk Southern operate and maintain a significant portion of the railway network. These companies have contractual agreements that prioritize their operations, giving them precedence over passenger trains.

Impact on Amtrak Schedules

As a result of this prioritization, Amtrak trains frequently experience delays due to the preemption of tracks by freight trains. Despite having certain rights and agreements with the railroads, Amtrak's schedules can be disrupted if the tracks are not available or are occupied by freight operations.

For instance, Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, which primarily serves routes from Boston to Washington D.C. via New York City, operates under the agreement with freight railroads. Freight trains on this route may delay Amtrak's fast and reliable service. However, when there are delays, Amtrak efforts to minimize the impact through rerouting and adjusting schedules. Railroad traffic controllers work diligently to manage the situation and move freight trains off the tracks as quickly as possible to allow passenger trains to proceed.

Track Access Agreements

Notably, Amtrak owns only a small portion of the track it uses, primarily in the Northeast and Midwestern regions. The vast majority of Amtrak's routes operate under track access agreements, where Amtrak pays freight railroads for the right to use their tracks. These agreements specify the priority of train movement and the conditions under which Amtrak has the right of way.

The agreements ensure that Amtrak trains have reasonable access to the tracks and can operate on schedule when conditions permit. However, if there are delays or track availability issues, these agreements may become less advantageous for Amtrak. For example, a passenger train scheduled to depart at 8:00 AM will have the right to use the tracks, but if it arrives at 8:30 AM, it may encounter a delay caused by a freight train. In such cases, the traffic controller will do their best to move the freight train out of the way as soon as possible, but delays may still occur.

Case Studies and Real-life Experiences

Real-life experiences illustrate the challenges of sharing tracks. Railroad employees and riders often face situations where they must wait due to freight train delays. For instance, a seasoned railroad employee might need to wait for an hour in a sidetrack to allow a passenger train to pass, before continuing their journey.

These anecdotes reflect the often-tense relationship between freight and passenger rail operations on shared tracks. While freight transportation is critical for the economy, ensuring reliable passenger service remains a top priority for Amtrak. The balancing act between these competing interests is crucial for maintaining an efficient and effective railroad network in the United States.

Conclusion

In summary, freight trains generally have priority over Amtrak on shared tracks in the United States due to ownership and scheduling agreements. Amtrak's passenger service can be delayed by freight operations but efforts are made to manage the situation through track access agreements and traffic control systems. Understanding this complex interplay is essential for both passengers and railroad operators.