Politico: Commuter rail lines to shutter if freight rail network shuts down

[brooklynite]

Commuter rail networks around the country are bracing for potential shutdowns starting Friday if contentious negotiations between freight rail companies and their unions lead to a work stoppage.

Many commuter rail networks wholly or partially operate on tracks that are owned by freight rail companies. Those tracks would become inoperable in the event of a freight rail strike.

Metra, Chicago’s commuter rail network which operates on tracks owned by BNSF and Union Pacific, said Wednesday it will shut down trains after Thursday’s rush hour in preparation for a work stoppage. Trains will operate on Friday if a work stoppage does not occur.

“If the work stoppage occurs, there will be no service Friday on the BNSF, Union Pacific North, Union Pacific Northwest and Union Pacific West lines,” Metra said in a news release. “Both BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad, which own and operate the lines, have communicated that they will begin curtailing service after the evening rush hour on Thursday, Sept. 15 in preparation for the potential work stoppage.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2022/09/14/commuter-rail-lines-to-shutter-if-freight-rail-network-shuts-down-00056685

[CentralMass]

1. Will NYC be impacted ? It sounds like the subway system will stay up.

[brooklynite]

2. Metro-North and LIRR lines are owned by the MTA, not private railroads.

[CentralMass]

3. 👍