CN U.S. rail subsidiaries (Illinois Central Railroad Company and Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company, together CN) and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) signed a new eight-year operating agreement governing Amtrak service on CN-owned rail lines.

The agreement resolves a more than decade-long proceeding before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) concerning the terms and conditions for Amtrak services, such as the City of New Orleans, Illini/Saluki, and Wolverine.

Amtrak and CN’s Agreements

The operating agreement establishes an updated framework for CN and Amtrak to work together, including a revised performance payment system more closely aligned with the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) on-time performance standard, regular reviews of Amtrak’s schedules, and processes to address operational issues and resolve disputes.

In addition, the parties will work together on a process for Amtrak to equip its trains operating on CN’s network with Onboard Shunt Enhancers (OSEs). This technology improves how trains are detected as they approach rail grade crossings.

OSEs help ensure crossing warning systems, including gates, flashing lights, and bells, activate when they should.  OSEs both improve safety and provide greater operating flexibility, supporting improved on-time performance for passenger rail service while helping freight and passenger traffic move efficiently across corridors Amtrak shares with CN.

“These agreements give Amtrak and CN a strong foundation to move forward together and deliver efficient, reliable passenger rail service,” said Byl Herrmann, Amtrak's interim president. “Together, we are improving performance for our passengers while investing in technology that enhances safety in the communities we serve. With steady encouragement from the STB and grant approval from FRA, we are able to bring this train into the station.”

FRA funding supports OSE installation and builds on more than a decade of research and testing led by CN, Amtrak, and the FRA.