STB Announces Settlement in Longstanding Amtrak and Canadian National Dispute

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) today announced it has granted a joint motion from the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and Canadian National Railway (CN) to dismiss Amtrak’s longstanding complaint regarding the terms and compensation for Amtrak’s use of CN’s facilities and services.  This milestone follows years of sustained Board involvement that enabled Amtrak and CN to reach a mutually beneficial settlement agreement.

The Board commends the determination and collaboration demonstrated by Amtrak and CN in reaching this resolution.  Amtrak’s original complaint, filed in 2013, led to years of extensive discovery and numerous pleadings filed with the Board.  In 2019, the Board issued interim findings and ordered Board‑sponsored mediation, which concluded without settlement in early 2020.  Both parties continued to submit additional pleadings, culminating in a technical conference with Board staff in March 2025.  Throughout this process, the Board granted several joint requests for extensions, enabling Amtrak and CN to pursue intensive negotiations.  These efforts have now resulted in a mutually beneficial agreement resolving all issues before the Board, allowing the Board to dismiss this proceeding.

Today’s outcome underscores the Board’s commitment to encouraging voluntary, private settlements and highlights the value of negotiated solutions.  The Board continues to offer robust alternative dispute resolution services in lieu of litigation.  For more information, visit the Board’s Litigation Alternatives webpage here.