CN’s U.S. rail subsidiaries Illinois Central Railroad Company and Grand Trunk Western Railroad Co. and Amtrak recently reached agreements that will strengthen their partnership and support safe, reliable passenger and freight service on CN’s U.S. rail network.
“CN is pleased to have reached agreements that allow us to move forward with a clear framework for safely and efficiently sharing our network,” Patrick Whitehead, CN executive vice-president and chief operating officer, said. “Together with the deployment of OSE technology, these agreements will support safer grade crossings and reliable passenger and freight service.”
Under the first agreement, the framework for CN and Amtrak to work together was updated. Updates include regular reviews of Amtrak’s schedules, processes to address operational issues and resolve disputes, and a revised performance payment system more closely aligned with the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) on-time performance standard.
Under the second agreement, the railroads will work to equip Amtrak’s trains operating on CN’s network with onboard shunt enhancers (OSEs), a technology that improves how trains are detected as they approach rail grade crossings and help ensure crossing warning systems activate when they should. The use of OSEs also provides greater operating flexibility, supporting improved on-time performance for passenger rail service while helping freight and passenger traffic move efficiently.