Search Results for keywords:"Surface Transportation Board"

BNSF Railway Company requested that the Surface Transportation Board allow a trackage rights exemption to expire at the end of 2021, as previously agreed with Union Pacific Railroad. This arrangement lets BNSF use Union Pacific's rail lines to transport trains carrying ballast to and from a pit in Elsey, California. The Board granted the request, ensuring that the agreement will conclude on December 31, 2021, without negatively impacting shippers, and included protections for any employees affected by the change. This decision will be published in the Federal Register and is effective as of March 25, 2021.

The Surface Transportation Board received a prefiling notification regarding a proposed transaction where Norfolk Southern Corporation and Norfolk Southern Railway Company aim to gain control of Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company. After reviewing the February 14, 2025 submission, the Board determined the transaction is "significant" rather than "minor," requiring more detailed information and compliance with different procedures. The Board instructed Norfolk Southern to amend their application, submit a revised procedural schedule by March 21, 2025, and to pay the additional filing fee associated with significant transactions. Additionally, the Board noted concerns from CSX Transportation and the Virginia Port Authority about potential anticompetitive effects.

OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund, Jaguar Transport Holdings, LLC, and Jaguar Rail Holdings, LLC have applied for permission to continue overseeing Kansas City West Bottoms Railroad, LLC, once it starts operating as a Class III rail carrier. This exemption would allow Kansas City West Bottoms Railroad to take over a short stretch of rail line from its current operator, Union Pacific Railroad Company, without needing additional approvals. The transaction, which doesn’t involve connecting to other Jaguar-owned railroads or using a Class I carrier, is set to become effective on March 5, 2025. It's also noted that the action doesn't require an environmental or historic preservation review.

The Surface Transportation Board issued a final rule to update its civil monetary penalties by accounting for inflation, as required by federal law. This annual adjustment, effective January 14, 2025, follows a specific calculation method and does not allow for public comment because the Board is following a mandated federal formula. The rule applies only to violations occurring after the regulation's effective date. It also clarifies that the Board has no authority to adjust criminal penalties for inflation.

The Surface Transportation Board has received a request from the University of Toronto to access data from the 1984-2022 unmasked Carload Waybill Samples. This dataset includes confidential information about railroads and shippers, and interested parties have 14 days from the notice date to file any objections. The regulations regarding the release of this data are outlined in 49 CFR 1244.9. For more information, individuals may contact Alexander Dusenberry at (202) 245-0319.

The Surface Transportation Board has received a request from the Utah Inland Port Authority to access specific data from the Board's 2019 Masked Carload Waybill Sample. This sample contains confidential information about railroads and shippers, so if anyone wants to object to the request, they must do so within 14 days of this notice by contacting the Board's Office of Economics. The procedures for handling such data are specified in federal regulations.

TBL Group, Inc., a holding company that manages several interstate motor passenger carriers, has requested the Surface Transportation Board's approval to acquire Reston Limousine & Travel Service, Inc. The Board is tentatively approving this acquisition, which will become final if no comments are filed by March 31, 2025. The transaction is expected to enhance transportation services by improving operational efficiencies and increasing capacity, without significantly affecting employees or the level of service to the public. If finalized, Reston will continue its operations under its current name.

The Surface Transportation Board has announced a meeting of the Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (PRAC) on February 11, 2025, at their headquarters in Washington, DC. This committee, established in 2023, is set to discuss how to improve efficiency in passenger rail services, resolve conflicts with freight carriers, and streamline regulatory processes. The meeting is open to the public and will follow federal advisory committee regulations. Members of the public can submit written comments to be considered during the meeting by February 7, 2025.

The Surface Transportation Board has announced two vacancies on the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC) for representatives from small railroads. The Board seeks nominations by February 12, 2021, and candidates should be willing to serve immediately. RSTAC advises on rail transportation policy, focusing on smaller shippers and railroads, and ensures fair representation across different industry segments. Members serve three-year terms, with meetings typically held quarterly.

Central New York Railroad Corporation (CNY) is a small railroad company that continues to lease and operate a rail line from Norfolk Southern Railway Company, covering about 123.1 miles between New York and Pennsylvania. This notice states that CNY plans to amend their lease to extend the term and adjust renewal conditions, while keeping all other original terms in place. CNY assures that the transaction will not make it a larger railroad and estimates their earnings won't go beyond $5 million a year. The Surface Transportation Board will allow this change to be effective from April 12, 2025, unless any misleading information is found or if objections are filed in time.