Overview
Title
Release of Waybill Data
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Surface Transportation Board got a request from a university to use some special train information from 2005 to 2010 that is usually kept secret. If anybody thinks this shouldn't happen, they need to say so within 14 days.
Summary AI
The Surface Transportation Board received a request from the University of Colorado Boulder to use data from their 2005-2010 unmasked Carload Waybill Samples. This data contains confidential information, so if anyone objects to the request, they must file objections with the Director of the Board's Office of Economics within 14 days of this notice. The rules regarding the release of this data are detailed in the regulation 49 CFR 1244.9. Interested parties can find a copy of the request on the Board’s website under docket no. WB24-69.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document under review is a notice from the Surface Transportation Board, being published in the Federal Register. It outlines a request from the University of Colorado Boulder to access data from the 2005-2010 unmasked Carload Waybill Samples. This data includes confidential information related to railroads and shippers, so any parties with objections to its release are instructed to file their concerns within 14 days. The information can be further scrutinized under docket no. WB24-69 on the Board's website.
General Summary
The notice serves the dual purpose of informing the public about the request from the University of Colorado Boulder and inviting any objections to be stated within a specific timeframe. It provides minimal contextual information about the request, focusing mainly on procedural elements such as how to file objections and where further details of the request can be accessed.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several issues are notable in the notice. Firstly, the abstract is missing in the document metadata, suggesting incomplete documentation which could hinder proper understanding or tracking of the notice's purpose. Additionally, there is no mention of the protective measures in place for ensuring that confidential data remains secure following its release, which could raise concerns about potential misuse of sensitive information.
The document does not include any rationale or justification for why the University of Colorado Boulder has requested access to the data. This absence of transparency could lead to skepticism regarding the intentions behind the use of this information. Furthermore, there is no discussion about the potential public benefits or objectives that may be met through releasing this data to the university.
Potential Public Impact
The potential impact on the public is complex. On one hand, the release of such data may enhance academic research, potentially leading to insights that benefit public policy, transportation systems, or economic planning. However, the lack of detailed information regarding the purpose of the request means that the public may not fully understand how this benefits or protects their interests.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders, including railroads and shipping companies whose data would be released, might find this notice concerning due to the confidential nature of the information. If proper data protection measures are not in place, these entities could face risks of competitive disadvantage or other complications. Conversely, the University of Colorado Boulder stands to gain if access is approved, enhancing their research capabilities and potentially contributing valuable academic and practical insights.
In conclusion, while the document outlines a procedural request for data access, it lacks transparency and detail in several key areas, raising questions about data security and the transparency of intent. These omissions highlight the need for clearer communication from regulatory bodies when handling requests involving confidential information.
Issues
• The abstract in the metadata is null, which might indicate incomplete documentation.
• The document mentions confidential railroad and shipper data but does not specify what protections are in place to ensure this data remains secure post-release.
• There is no detailed explanation or justification provided in the document for why the University of Colorado Boulder has requested the specific waybill data.
• The notice does not provide information on potential public benefits or the purpose behind releasing the data to the University of Colorado Boulder.
• The document provides a contact number but does not mention the availability of alternative contact methods, such as email, which could be more convenient for some parties.
• The language assumes familiarity with regulatory references, such as 49 CFR 1244.9, without providing a brief explanation or context for those not familiar with the regulations.