Search Results for agency_names:"Surface Transportation Board"

The Surface Transportation Board reviewed a petition from the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition to build an 85-mile railway in Utah to connect the Uinta Basin with the national rail network. The Coalition seeks an exemption from the usual prior approval requirements, arguing that the rail line will provide critical transportation benefits and support local industries. While there is significant support, including endorsements from state officials, there is also opposition citing financial viability concerns and potential environmental impacts. The Board has made a preliminary decision on the transportation merits but will only finalize its decision after completing an environmental review.

The Surface Transportation Board has granted an exemption to Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP, LLC and other petitioners, allowing them to continue controlling North Florida Industrial Railroad, LLC (NFIR) when it becomes a Class III rail carrier. This decision was made because the exemption supports the Rail Transportation Policy by minimizing federal regulation and promoting efficient rail management. NFIR will lease and operate a track in Columbia County, Florida, connecting it to an existing rail line, which will expand transportation options for local businesses without negatively impacting any existing railway services. The effective date for this exemption is April 11, 2025.

TIP Minnesota Coaches Acquisition LLC, TIP MN Investments LP, and Tiger Infrastructure Partners Fund IV AIV LP are seeking the Surface Transportation Board's approval to gain control of multiple passenger motor carriers, including Marschall Line and Minnesota Coaches. These companies specialize in school and motorcoach transportation services, with operations primarily in Minnesota and extending to neighboring states. The proposed acquisition intends to maintain current services and workforce while potentially expanding the fleet. If no opposition is filed, the transaction will be finalized by February 25, 2025.

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 proposed a new measure for how much railroad productivity has changed between 2019 and 2023, suggesting a 1.4% increase per year. This decision, announced on February 28, 2025, is set to take effect on March 20, 2025, unless further orders delay it. The public can submit comments on this proposal by March 17, 2025, through the Board's website. If anyone needs more details or has questions, they can contact Pedro Ramirez at the phone number provided.

Carload Express, Inc., a holding company that manages several rail carriers, filed a petition seeking exemption from prior approval requirements to acquire control of The Maryland and Delaware Railroad Company (MDDE), a Class III rail carrier. The Surface Transportation Board has agreed to grant this exemption, concluding that detailed review is unnecessary and that the acquisition aligns with U.S. rail transportation policy by fostering effective management and reducing regulatory hurdles. The acquisition aims to maintain current service without affecting competition, as MDDE and Delmarva Central Railroad Company, both under Carload’s control, do not serve the same industries and MDDE's connection to the national rail network will remain unchanged. Carload is required to inform shippers along relevant lines about the Board's decision, with the exemption effective from January 31, 2025.

Avalon Motor Coaches, LLC, along with its affiliates, is planning to acquire most of the assets and contracts of Rose Chauffeured Transportation, Inc. The Surface Transportation Board has tentatively approved this transaction, stating it aligns with the public interest. Comments on the deal are invited until February 24, 2025; if none are received, the approval will become final on February 25, 2025. Avalon plans to maintain the current workforce of Rose and aims to improve service efficiency by integrating Rose's services with its own.

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.

RYAL, LLC, a noncarrier company owned by Paul Didelius, has filed for a modified certificate of public convenience and necessity to lease and operate a 26-mile rail line in Washington State. This line is owned by the Port of Royal Slope and was previously leased to WRL, LLC. The line was authorized for abandonment in 1980 but remained operational after being sold to the Port in 1982. There are no subsidies involved, and shippers will not face preconditions for service. RYAL has also provided proof of insurance coverage as part of its filing.

The Surface Transportation Board has approved the first quarter 2025 Rail Cost Adjustment Factor (RCAF) and cost index, as submitted by the Association of American Railroads. This factor is used to reflect changes in the costs incurred by major railroads in the U.S. The figures adopted include an RCAF (Unadjusted) of 0.944, an RCAF (Adjusted) of 0.367, and an RCAF-5 of 0.347. The adjustments will be applicable starting January 1, 2025.