(Logo Courtesy of the STB)

Railroad Cost of Capital Set at 10.68% for 2024

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has determined that the cost of capital for the railroad industry, which is calculated each year, was 10.68% for 2024.

STB to Hold Meetings on ‘Improving Competition and Reducing Regulatory Barriers’

Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Patrick Fuchs on July 21 announced that the agency is holding a series of meetings “designed to discuss ideas and opportunities to update the STB’s regulatory framework to improve competition and reduce regulatory barriers.”

Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad #5260 crossing Elm Ave. Portsmouth, Virginia. At U.S. Norfolk Naval Shipyard.5260 is painted a commemorative scheme as part of the Norfolk Southern, Heritage Program. (David E. George III/Wikimedia Commons)

STB to NS: Proposed NPBL Acquisition Is ‘Significant’ Transaction (UPDATED 7/11)

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on March 14 reported that it will review Norfolk Southern’s (NS) proposal to acquire Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company (NPBL), a Virginia S&T (switching and terminal) railroad, as a “significant” transaction. NS in June provided the STB-required supplement to its acquisition application, and on July 7, the Board accepted the application as complete and set a procedural schedule.

“Today’s decision closing these regulatory proceedings reflects the agency’s intensive focus on its mission and allocating resources to their highest and best use,” STB Chairman Patrick Fuchs said. “I look forward to continued engagement with shippers, railroads, and the broader public on reforms to advance a competitive, efficient, and sound rail network.” (STB Photograph)

STB Prioritizing Reforms

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on July 10 reported discontinuing proceedings in which it sought comment on proposed modifications to its procedures for annually determining whether Class I railroads are revenue adequate.

(Logo Courtesy of STB)

STB: Nominations Welcome for RSTAC, RETAC

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is seeking nominations to fill vacancies on its Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC) and its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC). The deadline for both is Aug. 8. Candidates may nominate themselves.

(Courtesy of the STB)
Commentary

Clean Slate on Switch Rule. Now What?

As the proverb provides, “Be careful for what you wish,” as wishes sometimes deliver unintended consequences. Railroads may have experienced a wishes backfire July 8 when the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of

STB Affirms Continued Use of KCSR Haulage Rights

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on July 7 announced a decision confirming the Kansas City Southern Railway Company’s (KCSR, now part of Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) with Canadian Pacific Railway (CP))

Commentary

Rail Insights 2025 Takeaways

FINANCIAL EDGE, RAILWAY AGE JULY 2025 ISSUE: At the 11th annual Rail Insights conference, participants from the Class I railroads and government and equipment sectors discussed the industry for the remainder of 2025 and beyond. Following are the key conference takeaways.

(Logos from the respective government agencies)
Commentary

Reregulation Hidden in Shipper Tapestry

WATCHING WASHINGTON, RAILWAY AGE, JULY 2025 ISSUE: What is more delightfully amusing than a paradox—that we park on driveways and drive on parkways; that foul is fair when batted baseballs collide with a

(UP Photograph)

STB Denies Metra’s Request for Temporary Injunction

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on July 1 denied a petition for injunctive relief and application for an emergency service order by Metra, which is in dispute with Union Pacific over regional/commuter rail service on UP-owned lines in the Chicago area.

LOAD MORE