STB provides updates on Reauthorization Act implementation

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) late last week issued four reports as part of its ongoing implementation of the STB Reauthorization Act of 2015.

The reports cover the first quarterly report on rate case review metrics; the first quarterly report on formal and informal service complaints; the second quarterly report on unfinished regulatory proceedings; and a March status report on the board's progress in implementing the Reauthorization Act's key initiatives.

The STB also is "making progress" on improving the processing of rate reasonableness cases, starting with rules issued March 9 regarding rate case procedural schedules, STB officials said in a press release.

Meetings have been scheduled with practitioners, consultants and stakeholders who have significant experience in rate reasonableness litigation, especially stand-alone cost cases, to share their views and ideas for expediting rate cases, STB officials said.

The board will hold those meetings this month and initiate a proceeding by June 15.