STB contracts InterVISTAS to conduct alternative rate regulation study

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has awarded a contract to InterVISTAS Consulting L.L.C. to analyze potential alternative rate regulation approaches.

The study's goal: to reduce the time, cost and complexity of rate reasonableness complaints brought before the board, STB officials said in a press release.

The study will focus on alternatives that could reduce the time, complexity and expenses that historically have been associated with the STB's stand-alone cost methodology without diminishing the board's ability to achieve fair and reasonable outcomes for shippers and railroads, they said.

The STB expects the study to be completed and made public in late 2015. An international transportation professional services firm with offices in the United States, Canada, Europe and South America, InterVISTAS plans to conduct the study in partnership with firms that have economic, financial planning, technical and legal expertise in the railroad and utility industries.