STB boots up 'litigation alternatives' web page, seeks rail-shipper council candidates

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has launched a new "Litigation Alternatives" web page designed to serve as a resource for stakeholders seeking information on the agency's alternative dispute resolution processes.

The new page was developed in conjunction with the STB's new arbitration and mediation procedures. The page includes a list of parties that have opted into the board's arbitration program. Union Pacific Railroad became the first party to opt into the program via a letter submitted on June 21, STB officials said in an announcement on the board's website.

In addition, the web page contains information about the STB's mediation process and rail customer and public assistance program, as well as rules on confidentiality.

The STB also announced it's seeking candidates for two vacancies on the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC). Recommendations or suggestions of candidates for a large shipper representative and at-large representative are due to the board by July 31.

The 19-member RSTAC serves as a forum for the discussion of regulatory, policy and legislative issues pertaining to rail shippers and railroads.

The U.S. transportation secretary and three STB members serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the council, which was established in 1995. The other 15 members, nine of which are voting members, are appointed by the chairman. All RSTAC members serve three-year terms.