Excel Spreadsheet Available for Railroad Performance Data Reporting
On November 30, 2016, the Surface Transportation Board adopted a final rule in U.S. Rail Service Issues—Performance Data Reporting, Docket EP 724 (Sub-No. 4) that requires all Class I railroads, and the Chicago Transportation Coordination Office (CTCO), through its Class I members, to report certain service performance metrics on a weekly, semiannual, and occasional basis. Pursuant to the final rule, weekly reporting of service metrics is to be made via an Excel spreadsheet provided by the Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs and Compliance. The spreadsheet is available here. Carriers will begin reporting on Wednesday, February 8, 2017. Any questions about the spreadsheet should be directed to Michael H. Higgins, Deputy Director at (202) 245-0284.
STB adopts final rules revising its regulations in accordance with FOIA Improvement ACT of 2016
In a decision issued on December 15, 2016, the Surface Transportation Board adopted final rules revising its regulations governing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in response to the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 (FOIA Improvement Act). Pursuant to the FOIA Improvement Act, the final rules extend the deadline for administrative appeals, make available alternative dispute resolution services, and modify the way that fees apply to FOIA requests. The final rules are effective January 14, 2017. To learn more about the STB's final rules, click here.
STB adopts final rules revising its regulations in accordance with FOIA Improvement ACT of 2016
In a decision issued on December 15, 2016, the Surface Transportation Board adopted final rules revising its regulations governing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in response to the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 (FOIA Improvement Act). Pursuant to the FOIA Improvement Act, the final rules extend the deadline for administrative appeals, make available alternative dispute resolution services, and modify the way that fees apply to FOIA requests. The final rules are effective January 14, 2017. To learn more about the STB's final rules, click here.
NEPA Review Moves Ahead in New England Transrail Case in Wilmington and Woburn, Mass; STB Seeks Public Comment
The Surface Transportation Board issued a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement related to New England Transrail, LLC’s request for authority to construct, acquire and operate railroad lines in Wilmington and Woburn, Mass. The Notice requests public comment on the Draft Scope of Study for the project, and advises interested parties that the agency
will hold a public scoping meeting, where members of the public will be invited to comment on the Draft Scope of Study. To view the Notice and request for comment, click here.
STB Issues Supplemental NPRM on Proposed Changes to URCS
Based on public comments received in Review of the General Purpose Costing System, EP 431 (Sub-No. 4), the STB is revising its proposal to eliminate the “make-whole adjustment” that is currently applied as part of the agency’s general purpose costing system, the Uniform Railroad Costing System (URCS), and proposing other, related modifications to URCS.
Stakeholders are invited to comment on the proposed changes. The STB will also hold a public technical conference on the proposed changes on Sept. 7, 2016. To read the STB’s decisions, click here and here.
Proceeding Reopened: CSX Elsdon Line
The STB reopened Docket FD 35522 to address concerns raised by Chicago communities along the CSX Elsdon Line. CSX was instructed to comply with its representation that it would not route a train onto the line unless the track was clear, or to show cause why it could not do so. Also, the STB required CSX to submit monthly reports, providing information about at-grade crossings, blocked crossings, and the status of operating protocols with third-party railroads. To read the STB’s decision, click here.
Railroad Carload and Tonnage Data, by State
The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Economics has made public a report providing annual carload and corresponding tonnage data for freight-rail transportation either originating, terminating, or traversing each state of the United States, as derived from the Board’s Confidential Waybill Sample, from 2012 through 2014. Annual data on states in which there are minimal freight-rail operations or few rail shippers have been redacted for confidentiality. To view the new report, click here.
Got a Complaint?
Need help from the Board without filing a formal complaint? The Rail Customer and Public Assistance team offers a free, confidential avenue to settle disputes between shippers and railroads. Read more about the program here.