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.
Simple Explanation
BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad agreed that BNSF could use some of Union Pacific's train tracks until the end of 2021, and a government board approved this plan to make sure everything is fair and no workers are hurt by the change.