STB issues final regulations for “FAST Act” provisions
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on November 29 issued a final rule implementing passenger rail-related dispute resolution provisions of Title XI of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act of 2015 (“FAST Act”), Pub. L. No. 114-94.
The STB says “the FAST Act clarified and augmented the Board’s existing adjudicatory responsibilities related to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (“Amtrak”). Specific FAST Act provisions address STB adjudication of disputes regarding Amtrak cost recovery for its operation of state-supported routes, and costs allocated to states in their use of rail facilities for commuter rail operations within the Washington, D.C.-to-Boston Northeast Corridor. The FAST Act requires the Board to establish procedures for resolving such disputes, which may include the provision of professional mediation services. The Board’s final rule implements these provisions.”
The final rule can be read in full on the STB’s website.
