STB's Passenger Rail Advisory Committee sets inaugural meeting

The newly formed Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (PRAC) will hold its first meeting Oct. 16, the Surface Transportation Board has announced.

The committee was established to help the STB fulfill its statutory responsibilities to oversee certain aspects of passenger-rail service. The board announced the committee’s formation in November 2023.

In March, the board appointed 21 committee members, who include people knowledgable in passenger-, freight- and commuter-rail service, rail labor and public policy, according to an STB press release.

The PRAC’s purpose will be to provide information, advice and recommendations to the STB on issues that impact the development and operation of passenger-rail services. Those matters can include improving passenger-rail route efficiency and reducing disputes between passenger railroads and the freight railroads that “host” passenger trains on freight-rail infrastructure.

PRAC members are listed on the committee’s website.