MBTA looks to penalize Amtrak for weekend service delays

BOSTON (AP) — Transit authorities are seeking to add language to an agreement that would allow Amtrak to be fined for future service disruptions along Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority tracks.

The Boston Globe reports the MBTA is currently renegotiating its agreement with Amtrak over the government-funded railroad service's use and maintenance of heavily-traveled MBTA tracks between Boston and Rhode Island.

Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said Monday that officials felt obligated to pursue the fines in response to delays caused Sunday by Amtrak's maintenance work on a South Station signal system.

Officials say 32 commuter trains were delayed and eight runs were canceled out of 60 scheduled trains for Sunday.

Amtrak spokesman Chelsea Kopta apologized for the delays and said it's "unfortunate" that the MBTA had to resort to pursuing fines in response.

Associated Press