Amtrak Permit Process

Safety is the first and foremost priority of Amtrak. Any access to or impact on Amtrak property or operations requires express written permission from the Railroad via a Temporary Permit (“PTE”). A PTE must be obtained through a formal application available here.

Work on or near the Right of Way requires railroad protective services. The level of impact and proximity to the tracks or other infrastructure will determine the type and quantity of services required. Amtrak will prepare an estimate of the costs for railroad protection services payable at the time of signature. Notwithstanding, the permittee is responsible for paying for all costs incurred in relation to the PTE. 

Railroad protective services are extremely limited in availability. Early PTE submission and coordination with Amtrak is highly recommended.

Most PTE applications require that an agreement be in place between Amtrak and the applicant. Agreements are required for environmental work, soil disturbance, design reviews, large or complex construction projects, work that temporarily or permanently impacts Amtrak property or operations, utility occupancy and real estate rights. If you're unsure whether an agreement with Amtrak is needed, contact jointprojects@amtrak.com before submitting your PTE application and non-refundable application fee. 

In the event of an emergency that requires immediate access to Amtrak property, send an email to Patrick Galella, patrick.galella@amtrak.com with a copy to permit@amtrak.com. Your email should contain relevant details and photographs to demonstrate that the existing conditions pose an imminent risk to life, safety or railroad operations. You must submit an online PTE application simultaneously with all available information. Upon Amtrak's concurrence of an emergency, Amtrak will expeditiously prepare the PTE and coordinate schedules to perform the work. An executed PTE must be in place before any emergency work is performed.

1. Submit your completed PTE application
   A complete application includes location, duration, scope of work and impact on railroad property. Failure to provide all information will result in delays in processing or rejection of your application.
   
   
2. Send documents to Amtrak’s permit inbox
   Relevant attachments include, but are not limited to: letters of no exception, site survey maps, and related design, construction or real estate agreements. Where an agreement is needed, do not submit a PTE application prior to finalization of that agreement.
   
   
3. Pay the nonrefundable application fee
   A $ 2,000 application fee is required for Amtrak to process your application. Payment does not guarantee approval of your application.
   
   
4. Amtrak sends the PTE for signature
   Amtrak will email the PTE for signature with the insurance requirements and applicable fees.
   
   
5. Obtain Railroad Protective Liability Insurance
   Amtrak requires Railroad Protective Liability Insurance for access to Amtrak property. This may be purchased from an insurance agent of your choice or you may be eligible for inclusion in Amtrak’s insurance program.
   
   
6. Sign the PTE and send all required documentation
   In addition to a signed PTE, you are required to email insurance documents demonstrating coverage and proof of payment of all applicable fees. The PTE terms are non-negotiable. Edits are not permitted.
   
   
7. Amtrak counter-signs the PTE
   Amtrak will review the signed PTE and documentation to confirm that all requirements have been met before signing the PTE.
   
   
8. Schedule access to Amtrak property to perform the work
   Amtrak will provide a point-of-contact for scheduling access. Entry is permitted only when accompanied by Amtrak personnel with an approved site safety work plan and completion of safety training.
   
   

This flowchart is a high-level overview of the PTE process at Amtrak. Every PTE application is independently evaluated and subject to additional requirements.