To help rail passengers in the event something goes wrong, U.S. Reps Brendan Boyle and Chris Deluzio (both D-PA) introduced legislation recently to end forced arbitration for Amtrak passengers.
The Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act aims to protect the ability and rights of Amtrak riders looking for justice when things go wrong. With Amtrak ridership up nearly 14 percent across the country, the two law makers said their legislation would prohibit Amtrak for forcing passengers into a broad arbitration agreement and class action waiver.
“Americans deserve a great experience when they ride Amtrak,” Boyle said. “That’s why we’ve delivered funding to upgrade infrastructure, improve trains, and speed up service—and why we’re introducing this bill to protect riders’ rights to seek justice if something goes wrong. So many Pennsylvanians rely on Amtrak every day. No one should have to give up their rights just to ride the train.”
Currently, when a passenger buys a ticket for an Amtrak trip they also sign away their rights by entering into a broad arbitration agreement and an agreement to not file a class action suit should something go wrong. Implemented in 2019, the policy captures personal injury claims, gross negligence, wrongful death, and discrimination claims.
“Forced Arbitration—requiring people to sign away their basic right to seek justice if they are wronged—is an unjust practice,” Deluzio said. “I am a big supporter of passenger rail and am working as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to make passenger trains a better option for people. I also want to make sure Amtrak is held accountable, and that riders retain their rights and power, if Amtrak messes up. The Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act would make sure that Amtrak travelers do not lose their rights just because they take the train.”
The legislation is a companion bill introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA).