WASHINGTON – The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which sponsors Amtrak’s Downeaster service between Brunswick, Maine, and Boston, says it backs CSX Transportation’s proposed acquisition of Pan Am Railways.
Amtrak’s Downeaster uses Pan Am trackage from the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border to Portland, Maine, and on to the passenger service terminus at Brunswick.
The passenger authority is backing the merger after CSX said it would uphold current service agreements, ensure that trackwork will be timed to minimize interference with Downeaster service, establish a streamlined procedure for seasonal schedule changes, and participate in good-faith discussions regarding potential expansion of Downeaster service.
CSX also agreed to abide by Pan Am agreements covering rail and station improvements at Portland and Wells, Maine, and a potential new passenger stop at West Falmouth, Maine.
CSX also will fund installation of positive train control on the Downeaster route in New Hampshire and Maine. CSX had previously said it planned to install PTC on the line.
“NNEPRA looks forward to a positive and productive relationship with CSX,” Patricia Quinn, the authority’s executive director, wrote in a filing to the Surface Transportation Board.
“This agreement demonstrates our commitment to work collaboratively with all stakeholders and to maintain or improve passenger service in the region,” CSX CEO Jim Foote said in a statement announcing the agreement.
It’s the second major show of support for CSX in Maine. Gov. Janet Mills recently backed the CSX-Pan Am deal, applauding the railroad’s plans to upgrade Pan Am trackage in the state.
Amtrak, which is jousting with CSX over resumption of passenger service between Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans, in June said it opposed CSX’s acquisition of Pan Am [see “Amtrak CEO voices opposition ..,” Trains News Wire, June 4, 2021]. “The acquisition of Pan Am by CSX represents a significant threat to the American traveling public which relies on Amtrak and our state partners to deliver frequent, reliable and sustainable intercity passenger rail service,” Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn said.
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