STB

Surface Transportation Board Notice on Flixbus Control of Greyhound

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has issued a notice tentatively approving Flix SE's continued control over Greyhound Lines, Inc. The approval is contingent on no opposing comments being filed by April 27, 2026, at which point it will become final.

Surface Transportation Board: Lease Renewal Exemption for Wichita, Tillman & Jackson Railway

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has issued a notice of exemption for the renewal of a lease between Wichita, Tillman & Jackson Railway Company (WTJR) and Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP). This renewal extends the lease for approximately 16.55 miles of rail line for an additional ten years, continuing a lease arrangement that has been in place since 1991.

Surface Transportation Board: Abandonment Exemption for Central Railroad Co. of Indianapolis

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has received a verified notice of exemption from the Central Railroad Company of Indianapolis (CERA) to abandon two rail lines totaling approximately 1.77 miles in Kokomo, Indiana. The STB has set deadlines for petitions and offers of financial assistance, with the exemption becoming effective on April 8, 2026, unless stayed.

STB Performance Review Board and Executive Resources Board Membership

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) announced the immediate membership of its Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board (PRB) and Executive Resources Board (ERB). The notice lists the chairmen, members, and alternate members for both boards.

Lampwrights LLC Exemption to Operate Rail Track

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has issued a notice of exemption for Lampwrights LLC to operate approximately 2,269 feet of track in Jefferson County, Pa. The exemption allows Lampwrights to provide switching and transloading services, with projected revenues not exceeding $5 million annually.

STB Proposes Repealing Regulations to Boost Rail Competition

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has proposed repealing regulations governing reciprocal switching, through routes, and through rates (49 C.F.R. Part 1144). This action aims to reduce regulatory barriers and promote competition in the freight rail industry by allowing for a case-by-case approach to competitive access prescriptions.

STB Rejects Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Application as Incomplete

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has rejected the major merger application filed by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern due to incompleteness. The application lacked required system impact analyses and the full merger agreement, leading to its rejection without prejudice for refiling.

STB Suspends Operations Due to Government Shutdown

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has suspended operations due to a lapse in federal appropriations. During the shutdown, the STB will not process filings, issue decisions, or conduct hearings, and all submission deadlines will be tolled.

STB Chairman Updates on Outstanding Proceedings

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs provided updates on several outstanding proceedings, including railroad abandonment applications, environmental regulations, and rulemaking petitions. Decisions on these matters are expected in February 2026.

STB Final Environmental Assessment for Mesa Rail Line

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has issued a Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA) for Union Pacific Railroad Company's proposed new rail line in Mesa, Arizona. This completes the STB's environmental review for the project.