STB to form passenger-rail advisory committee

The Surface Transportation Board intends to establish a federal passenger-rail advisory committee (PRAC), according to a notice filed today in the Federal Register.

The committee will provide nonbinding advice and recommendations on passenger-rail service issues, including those impacting intercity- and commuter-rail passengers and operators, government entities, freight-rail carriers and their customers, railway labor and the general public.

Committee members will discuss and provide information on the development and operation of passenger services, including improving efficiency on rail routes; reducing disputes between carriers and freight-rail hosts; and improving the regulatory process.

The PRAC will consist of 18 voting members, including two representatives from Amtrak; two from commuter-rail operators that use facilities owned by Amtrak, other intercity passenger-rail operators or freight-rail operators; two from existing intercity passenger-rail operators other than Amtrak, or developers of new intercity passenger rail lines other than Amtrak; one from a state that funds intercity passenger rail; one from a state in which the intercity rail stations are served only by long-distance trains; two from Class I railroads; one from a short-line or regional railroad; one from a labor union; two from passenger-rail advocacy groups; one from a rail shipper or customer advocacy organization; and three at-large representatives.

STB members will serve as ex-officio members. The committee will meet at least twice a year.