WASHINGTON – The Surface Transportation Board has extended by 15 days the comment period for its proposed reciprocal switching rule.
The Association of American Railroads had sought a 90-day extension for comment on the rule, officially dubbed Reciprocal Switching for Inadequate Service. The rule, proposed last month, would provide rail customers with access to a second railroad as a remedy for inadequate service.
Comments are now due by Nov. 7, with replies due by Dec. 6, the board said.
Meanwhile, two senators – Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. – applauded the board for the proposed reciprocal switching rule.
“We have been concerned about the prolonged service challenges facing many rail shippers in recent years and have appreciated the efforts taken by the Board to date to require service improvement plans and increased data reporting.2 However, ensuring that the freight rail system works for all stakeholders will require more than just additional reporting. This proposed rulemaking is an appropriate next step that will improve rail service, and we encourage you to move ahead with the final rule. We also believe more may be needed and ask that you continue engaging with shippers as stakeholder comments are reviewed and the Board considers next actions,” they wrote in the Monday letter.
Their you go Class Ones. You farted around and delayed change and made all sort of excuses for bad service and now the other shoe is dropping, in fact it may be about to be rammed down your throats.
Don’t say none of us warned you. Stupid is as stupid does and you have been acting stupid for way to long. CSX got smart and started listening to their customers but the rest of you have had to hold on until the very last second… Well, it may be back to pre Staggers Act before we are done unless some real attitude adjustments occur. I’m not sure you are capable. You have lied to yourself for so long that you actually believe what you have been doing is right! Mores the pity…
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