(The following story by Kelly Hannon appeared at Fredericksburg.com on May 26, 2010.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Railroad Administration held a meeting yesterday between Amtrak, Keolis Rail Services America and Virginia Railway Express officials to discuss the ongoing transition of VRE’s operations and maintenance contract to Keolis.
Officials from two freight railroad companies that own tracks in Northern Virginia, CSX Corp. and Norfolk Southern, also attended.
It was a regularly scheduled monthly meeting to discuss safety, operations and required training leading up to Monday, June 28, the day Keolis is set to take over commuter train operations from Amtrak.
Mark Paustenbach, director of public affairs for the Federal Railroad Administration, commented on the meeting by e-mail: “We had a productive meeting today. All the players were at the table and working cooperatively. We remain focused on one thing, providing a safe ride for the passenger,” Paustenbach wrote.
VRE and Keolis began meeting monthly with Federal Railroad Administration officials in December, said Mark Roeber, a VRE spokesman. “We continue to look forward to working with the Federal Railroad Administration and the other partners on a smooth transition from Amtrak to Keolis so that our passengers are afforded the same level of service they have come to appreciate,” Roeber said.
Last Friday, the VRE Operations Board passed a resolution saying Amtrak is interfering with VRE’s handoff of train operations to Keolis, and directed legal counsel to pursue all possible options.
Amtrak has strongly denied any interference, and has pledged to assist VRE passengers.
“We will continue as we have been throughout the process working toward and cooperating with all the parties toward a smooth transition,” said Steve Kulm, Amtrak spokesman.