Rail Passenger Fairness Act
Summary
The Rail Passenger Fairness Act aims to empower Amtrak by granting it the right to bring civil actions in federal district court to enforce its statutory preference over freight transportation on rail lines. This preference is currently codified in section 24308(c) of title 49, United States Code. Currently, only the Attorney General can bring such actions.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would likely lead to improved on-time performance for Amtrak trains. This is due to the increased ability to enforce its right-of-way over freight trains. The bill's findings suggest that past enforcement efforts have correlated with improved performance.
Potential Benefits
- Improved on-time performance for Amtrak, leading to more reliable service for passengers.
- Potential cost savings for Amtrak due to improved efficiency and reduced equipment replacement needs.
- Better utilization of taxpayer dollars invested in Amtrak.
- Increased passenger satisfaction and ridership.
- Reduced delays for passengers on state-supported and long-distance trains.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased litigation between Amtrak and freight rail companies.
- Possible disruptions to freight transportation, potentially affecting the supply chain.
- Increased costs for freight rail companies if they are forced to prioritize passenger trains.
- The possibility of unintended consequences if the enforcement mechanism is overly aggressive.
- Potential for the courts to become involved in arbitrating disputes between Amtrak and freight companies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating interstate commerce related to rail transportation. It does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments. The bill aims to ensure the efficient operation of Amtrak, a government-supported entity, which could be argued as promoting the general welfare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).