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MBTA, MassDOT To Seek Fines Against Amtrak For Future Service Disruptions

BOSTON (CBS) -- After Amtrak signal issues caused delays and cancellations on the Commuter Rail Sunday, the MBTA and MassDOT will pursue fines against Amtrak if the situation repeats itself.

"If they continue to act in ways that make it impossible for us to run our commuter rail system, why shouldn't they owe us some form of penalty?" Pollack told The Boston Globe.

A statement from the MBTA Sunday said Amtrak was performing maintenance on their signal systems, and had not communicated with T officials or Keolis, the company that runs the Commuter Rail, about the repairs.

"Officials with the MBTA and MassDOT have conveyed their displeasure to Amtrak and will be meeting soon to discuss Amtrak changing operational and communication protocols," the statement read.

In February, Amtrak signal issues shut down Commuter Rail service at South Station for an entire day.

In a statement, Amtrak said they were open to working out a solution with the transportation agencies.

"We do not negotiate contracts in public but welcome any and all proposals designed to enhance the service for all rail passengers in the NEC," an Amtrak spokesperson said.

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