Regional EDOs share information on future of passenger-rail between BR, NOLA
Baton Rouge, LA (March 15, 2023) – The SOLA Super Region Committee, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), and GNO, Inc. today released the following join statement on the approval by the Surface Transportation Board for the Canadian Pacific-KCS merger.
“The SOLA Super Region Committee congratulates the leadership at Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern on their newly approved merger. This major milestone signifies the most important step forward for creating passenger-rail between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The Surface Transportation Board decision specifically cited that CPKC has committed to supporting Amtrak’s plan for expanded passenger rail service, and that this helped win Amtrak’s endorsement of the merger. Moreover, it was also important and noteworthy that Amtrak’s national statement on the announcement ratified that CP “has committed to support Amtrak’s efforts to work with the Southern Rail Commission, States and other stakeholders for…establishing Amtrak service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, LA….” This national endorsement is a powerful, and long-overdue, commitment to link Louisiana’s two largest population centers via passenger-rail service, and – we hope – as soon as possible. Louisiana is ready to roll.”
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