Proposed Bill Would Make It Easier To Sue Amtrak

Image: An Amtrak train in autumn. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/IanDewarPhotography)
Image: An Amtrak train in autumn. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/IanDewarPhotography)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Tue February 18, 2025

A group of lawmakers is proposing a bill that would make it easier to sue Amtrak. Just like with the airlines, they’re trying to hold Amtrak accountable.

Did you know you waive legal protection when purchasing a ticket on Amtrak? This includes such things as allegations of discrimination. Sniff, sniff. Is that unfair labor practices that we smell?

Yet this is part of the terms of service for riding on Amtrak. Lawmakers are also looking into claims of personal injury and wrongful death. The proposed bill would make it easier to sue the company and end what has been described as unfair access to justice.

Congressmen Chris Deluzio and Brendan Doyle are sponsoring the bill.

Doyle said: “Americans deserve a great experience when they ride Amtrak. That's why we've delivered funding to upgrade infrastructure, improve trains, and speed up service—and why we're introducing this bill to protect riders' rights to seek justice if something goes wrong. So many Pennsylvanians rely on Amtrak every day. No one should have to give up their rights just to ride the train."

According to wording in the bill, it would "amend a part of the United States Code to 'prohibit Amtrak from including mandatory arbitration clauses in contracts of carriage and for other purposes.’"

Amtrak had record ridership last year.


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Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

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