STB modernizes filing, payment procedures

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has adopted a final rule to improve its payment, filing and service procedures, the agency announced late last week.

The STB filed a notice of proposed rulemaking in August 2018 to revise and update its regulations relating to payment, filing procedures, electronic service of board decisions and fees for copying, printing and related services, according to an agency press release.

The adopted final rule calls for implementing an electronic payment option through Pay.gov and allowing the expanded use of electronic filing for nearly all filings. The rule addresses other steps for how stakeholders file and pay for STB procedures.

STB officials anticipate the changes will increase the use of e-filing, the use of e-payment systems and efficiency of board decisions, they said.

The rule will go into effect May 10.