Review - STB Publishes Reciprocal Switching Final Rule

Today, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) published a final rule in the Federal Register (89 FR 38646-38710) on “Reciprocal Switching for Inadequate Service”. The rule adds 49 CFR 1145, Reciprocal Switching for Inadequate Service, that provides for the prescription of reciprocal switching agreements to promote adequate rail service through access to an additional line haul carrier. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for this action was published (removed from paywall) on September 7^th, 2023.

This rule will be effective September 4^th, 2024.

 

For more information about the provisions of this rule, including changes made to the new performance standards, see my article at CFSN Detailed Analysis - https://patrickcoyle.substack.com/p/stb-publishes-reciprocal-switching-b15 - subscription required.