Why Is Amtrak Service So Slow in Most of the U.S.? | WSJ

Outside the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak service is often slow and infrequent. The company’s worst performing train is delayed by an hour and a half on average. But the rail network says it has wanted to invest in new and improved routes for years.

Amtrak’s biggest obstacle? Freight railroads. Here’s why.

Illustration: Ryan Trefes

0:00 Why hasn’t Amtrak expanded?
1:17 Why most Amtrak trains run on freight-owned tracks
1:47 How freight rail is an obstacle to Amtrak today
3:06 Why Amtrak hasn’t asserted its legal right against freight companies
4:05 Amtrak files a complaint against Union Pacific Railroad
5:05 Amtrak says it’s in a better financial position now to expand

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