Mobile Amtrak Service Gets Green Light

The Surface Transportation Board dismissed objections from CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway, allowing Amtrak to continue with its attempt to gain access to freight lines for passenger trains for service between New Orleans and Mobile, AL.com reported. The decision facilitates Amtrak to move ahead with procedural work for the passenger service, which it plans to resume in January 2022. The Southern Rail Commission stated it was “especially pleased” that the board found no need for an environmental review and set an “aggressive” hearing schedule to further the project.