STB: Short line may lease, operate certain Union Pacific lines in Oregon

The Surface Transportation Board has authorized Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad Inc. (CORP) to lease and operate certain rail lines in Oregon, allowing Union Pacific Railroad to transfer local service to CORP.

Numerous shippers voiced support for the transaction, citing CORP’s customer service track record and focus on providing outstanding local service, STB officials said yesterday in a press release. 

CORP on Dec. 10, 2024, filed a verified notice of exemption to lease from UP and operate 27.58 miles of rail line in Oregon. Subsequently, the STB ordered CORP to serve a copy of its notice of intent to the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS), as required by regulations.

On Feb. 11, CORP certified that it had served the required notice to BRS and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. In its decision, the board denied requests to reject the notice of exemption in the proceeding and allows the transaction to move forward.

The STB found that the transaction may increase efficiency and reduce costs and that authorizing operations by CORP may result in better local service. Board Member Robert Primus concurred with a separate expression.

The board's decision in the case may be viewed here.