In July 2025, more than two and a half years after Amtrak called on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to initiate an investigation into “substandard” customer on-time performance for Sunset Limited service between Louisiana and California, citing host freight railroad Union Pacific (UP) as “likely the prime focus of the investigation,” Amtrak and UP settled their differences. On April 1, 2026, they jointly announced reaching an agreement that will allow Amtrak to operate on a five-mile segment of UP-owned track starting near Avondale, La. This reroute of the Sunset Limited onto UP track took effect immediately. OpenRailwayMap.org “Amtrak is a key industry partner, and this agreement underscores our ongoing commitment to working with them to enhance both passenger and freight rail services,” said Eric Gehringer, Union Pacific Executive Vice President – Operations. “We are grateful to have reached this agreement with Union Pacific. Both Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have shown a strong commitment to quality Amtrak passenger rail service,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Amtrak Executive Vice President, Strategy, Planning and Accessibility. BACKGROUND “Amtrak and Union Pacific are pleased with a settlement regarding customer on-time performance for Amtrak’s Sunset Limited service,” UP and Amtrak told Railway Age July 31, 2025 in a joint statement. “As a result, Amtrak requested the STB close its investigation. Union Pacific is committed to improving customer on-time performance for the Sunset Limited, as well as continuous training and education for employees with responsibilities to Amtrak under federal law. Amtrak and Union Pacific express their gratitude to the STB…
