 |
Re: #4/3rd canceled out of Los Angeles
Author: AI continues...
Date: 01-05-2025 - 21:55
Union Pacific Threatens to Halt Amtrak Service: "We Won't Be Held Liable for Amtrak's Mistakes"
UP Demands Congressional Protection from Passenger Lawsuits, or Amtrak Trains Will Come to a Standstill Tomorrow
Omaha, NE - In a shocking move, Union Pacific Railroad (UP) has announced that it will stop hosting Amtrak trains on its tracks starting tomorrow, unless Congress passes legislation protecting the company from lawsuits filed by Amtrak passengers.
UP officials claim that the company is tired of being held liable for accidents and incidents that occur on Amtrak trains, which operate on UP's tracks. The company is seeking blanket immunity from passenger lawsuits, citing the need to avoid "frivolous" and "unfair" claims.
"We cannot continue to be held hostage by the threat of lawsuits every time an Amtrak train has an incident on our tracks," said a UP spokesperson. "We have done nothing wrong, and yet we are forced to pay out millions of dollars in damages. It's unfair, and it's unsustainable."
The move comes as a surprise, as UP and Amtrak have a long-standing agreement that allows Amtrak trains to operate on UP's tracks. However, UP officials say that the company can no longer afford to take on the liability risks associated with hosting Amtrak trains.
"Unless Congress acts to protect us from these lawsuits, we will have no choice but to stop Amtrak trains from operating on our tracks," said the UP spokesperson. "We regret the inconvenience this will cause to Amtrak passengers, but we cannot continue to put our company at risk."
Amtrak officials are scrambling to respond to the crisis, with many expressing outrage at UP's demands. "This is a blatant attempt by Union Pacific to avoid taking responsibility for its own actions," said an Amtrak spokesperson. "We will not stand idly by while UP tries to shift the blame and avoid accountability."
The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) has also weighed in, condemning UP's move as a "reckless" and "irresponsible" attempt to undermine the nation's rail system. "Union Pacific's actions are a clear example of corporate greed and a disregard for passenger safety," said NARP President Jim Mathews. "We urge Congress to reject UP's demands and instead focus on improving rail safety and accountability."
As the deadline looms, lawmakers are under pressure to respond to UP's demands. However, many are hesitant to grant the company blanket immunity, citing concerns about passenger safety and the need for accountability.
The fate of Amtrak service on UP tracks remains uncertain, with many wondering what will happen if UP follows through on its threat. One thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction could be severe.
UP Demands Congressional Protection from Passenger Lawsuits, or Amtrak Trains Will Come to a Standstill Tomorrow
Omaha, NE - In a shocking move, Union Pacific Railroad (UP) has announced that it will stop hosting Amtrak trains on its tracks starting tomorrow, unless Congress passes legislation protecting the company from lawsuits filed by Amtrak passengers.
UP officials claim that the company is tired of being held liable for accidents and incidents that occur on Amtrak trains, which operate on UP's tracks. The company is seeking blanket immunity from passenger lawsuits, citing the need to avoid "frivolous" and "unfair" claims.
"We cannot continue to be held hostage by the threat of lawsuits every time an Amtrak train has an incident on our tracks," said a UP spokesperson. "We have done nothing wrong, and yet we are forced to pay out millions of dollars in damages. It's unfair, and it's unsustainable."
The move comes as a surprise, as UP and Amtrak have a long-standing agreement that allows Amtrak trains to operate on UP's tracks. However, UP officials say that the company can no longer afford to take on the liability risks associated with hosting Amtrak trains.
"Unless Congress acts to protect us from these lawsuits, we will have no choice but to stop Amtrak trains from operating on our tracks," said the UP spokesperson. "We regret the inconvenience this will cause to Amtrak passengers, but we cannot continue to put our company at risk."
Amtrak officials are scrambling to respond to the crisis, with many expressing outrage at UP's demands. "This is a blatant attempt by Union Pacific to avoid taking responsibility for its own actions," said an Amtrak spokesperson. "We will not stand idly by while UP tries to shift the blame and avoid accountability."
The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) has also weighed in, condemning UP's move as a "reckless" and "irresponsible" attempt to undermine the nation's rail system. "Union Pacific's actions are a clear example of corporate greed and a disregard for passenger safety," said NARP President Jim Mathews. "We urge Congress to reject UP's demands and instead focus on improving rail safety and accountability."
As the deadline looms, lawmakers are under pressure to respond to UP's demands. However, many are hesitant to grant the company blanket immunity, citing concerns about passenger safety and the need for accountability.
The fate of Amtrak service on UP tracks remains uncertain, with many wondering what will happen if UP follows through on its threat. One thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction could be severe.
