STB seeks PRIIA Section 213 revisions

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board on Dec. 28, 2015 issued two interrelated decisions—a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Proposed Policy Statement (PPS)—proposing revised definitions and policy guidance for passenger train on-time performance and preference. The STB is seeking public comment on the proposals, both of which would affect Section 213 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) as codified at 49 U.S.C. § 24308(f).

Harrison to Durbin, et al: “There appear to be some misconceptions”

As Canadian Pacific continues to pursue a merger with Norfolk Southern, CP CEO Hunter Harrison sent a response to the members of the Illinois Congressional delegation (all Democrats) who sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board on De. 14, 2015 expressing concerns about the potential transaction.

STB adds Rail Heritage Map to interactive online Railroad Map Depot

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Dec. 17, 2015 announced the addition of the Rail Heritage Map to its online Railroad Map Depot created and maintained by the STB’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) for public use and research. Supported by ArcGIS Online (Esri), the Railroad Map Depot is a cloud-based platform featuring a number of maps maintained by OEA.

Top rail execs to provide industry insights at MARS Winter Meeting

Top executives from three Class I railroads will be speaking at the 246th meeting of the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) on Jan. 13–14, 2016, which will be held at Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard, Ill.

Commentary

CP to NS: 4,926 words; 37 footnotes

December 7, 2015: A day that will live in infamy for anyone attempting to follow the volley of legalese and rhetoric being tossed about by Canadian Pacific and Norfolk Southern as CP attempts to marry up with NS in what may be beginning to look more and more like a shotgun wedding officiated by The Rev. Bill Ackman.*

Sen. Durbin to STB: Consider negative impacts of potential CP-NS merger

In response to the proposed merger between Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS), U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) on Dec. 14, 2015 sent a letter signed by Democratic members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) urging the agency to carefully consider the potential negative impact of the proposal on Illinois’ freight network. In the letter, the legislators requested careful review of the possible effects of CP’s proposed acquisition of NS on Illinois communities and businesses, particularly those in and around Chicago.

House passes S. 808; next stop: the President

The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 10, 2015 passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act of 2015, which among other provisions, will increase the number of STB members from three to five, improving STB’s structure and decision-making processes by allowing, with proper disclosure, board members to speak with one another about cases on which the STB is ruling.

CP sweetens deal as NS calls up reinforcements, says “no” again

Canadian Pacific’s pursuit of Norfolk Southern has taken on the tone of a rough-and-tumble yet well-intentioned star athlete pulling out all the stops to capture the heart of his dream woman, a relationship-shy political science major who continues to resist her suitor’s advances with perfectly logical yet unemotional reasons why the two aren’t right for each other.

Commentary

CP-NS: Voting trust and other conundrums

Levitation takes two forms among railroads—magnetic levitation relating to futuristic high-speed passenger transport, and stock levitation associated with bidding wars for asset control.

Commentary

CP pursuing NS. Game on!

It’s official: Canadian Pacific on Nov. 17, 2015 sent an offer letter to Norfolk Southern proposing a merger (an acquisition, really) “that would create a transcontinental railroad with the scale and reach to deliver improved levels of service to customers and communities while enhancing competition and creating significant shareholder value.” On Nov. 18, CP, in response to NS’s tepid response to the initial offer, provided “full disclosure.”

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