Amtrak suing DC rail station over Delta ads

National rail operator Amtrak is suing Washington D.C Union Station, demanding it removes ads for rival Delta Air Lines.

Amtrak claims its lease with the station forbids any advertising for competing services in the transportation sector.

"Delta is a competitor of Amtrak’s for the business of travelers nationwide, and particularly in the Northeast corridor. The D.C. /New York market is Amtrak’s largest and most important market anchoring the frequently traveled Northeast Corridor. Winning Amtrak customers’ business is undoubtedly Delta’s goal," the lawsuit said.

"Amtrak ‘competes with airlines, buses and other modes of transportation. Under our longstanding lease at Washington Union Station, the Landlord is prohibited from displaying competitive advertisements. We intend to protect our interests.’

The station refused to remove the ads after initial demands by Amtrak as they are generic in nature and do not specifically target Amtrak service with no destinations or fares listed.

It has previously challenged ads displayed for US Airways at the station in rge past.

As a partly federally funded company, the legal challenge is in the national interest, Amtrak said.

"Because the United States has a financial interest in Amtrak, the public has a vested interest in its success," the filing said.