No, it’s because Amtrak is unionized.
So are the private freight carriers.
And they're the ones that control the tracks.
“So are the private freight carriers.
And they’re the ones that control the tracks.”
Yes, but they have to turn a profit, Amtrak does not, and it never has, and never will.
If Amtrak had priority use of freight tracks they would still lose money, because it’s not about profit for them, it’s about union jobs, and it’s about keeping stops in podunk towns that influential congressmen want to keep on the map.
I would prefer that freight companies forbade Amtrak from using their tracks - which would prevent Amtrak from operating and save taxpayers money. That is just a dream I have.