The Justice Department (DOJ) on Tuesday unveiled a new settlement between the Trump administration and Norfolk Southern after the railway company allegedly prioritized its freight trains over Amtrak routes.
The settlement aims “to resolve allegations that Norfolk Southern delayed Amtrak passenger trains on Amtrak’s Crescent Route in violation of federal law by failing to give Amtrak trains preference over freight trains,” DOJ officials wrote in a press release.
“As part of the settlement, Norfolk Southern agreed to provide all Amtrak trains the highest priority; train its employees to give priority to Amtrak trains; require supervisor approval for any dispatching decision that does not give priority to Amtrak trains in non-emergency situations; and provide records regarding delays suffered by Amtrak trains traveling on the Crescent Route controlled by Norfolk Southern,” the administration added.
The latest agreement comes over a year after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under former President Biden, announced a settlement with the company in the wake of the 2023 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
The settlement was estimated to be worth $310 million following a major chemical leak that resulted from the accident. The 2024 settlement included an estimated $235 million for cleanup work as well as a $15 million penalty over alleged violations of the Clean Water Act.
“Americans traveling by train are entitled to trips free from delays caused by railroads failing to give Amtrak preference over freight trains,” Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate said in Tuesday’s release.
“The settlement reached today, as well as Norfolk Southern’s improved performance on Amtrak’s Crescent Route, demonstrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting everyday American train passengers,” he added.
When reached for comment, Norfolk Southern said the settlement “reflects our longstanding efforts to provide preference to Amtrak as required under the law and establishes a process for future engagement that includes regular reviews of dispatcher training and steps to evaluate and address delays to Amtrak trains.”
“We’re grateful for the collaboration to reach an amicable resolution,” the railway added.