97-27971. Service Obligations Over Excepted Track

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 204 (Wednesday, October 22, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 54820]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27971]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

49 CFR Chapter X

[STB Ex Parte No. 564]


Service Obligations Over Excepted Track

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board.

ACTION: Withdrawal of proposed rule and notice of availability of 
policy statement.

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SUMMARY: In a notice of proposed rulemaking published at 62 FR 24896 
(May 7, 1997), the Board sought comments on the circumstances under 
which it should require a railroad to operate over excepted track that 
does not meet Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Class 1 track 
safety standards, and that the operating railroad deems to be unsafe. 
After reviewing the comments, the Board has decided not to issue rules, 
but instead to issue a policy statement declaring that the Board will 
continue the current practice of evaluating railroad service issues on 
a case-by-case basis. In evaluating carrier claims that track is 
embargoed for safety reasons, the Board will consult with the FRA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph H. Dettmar, [phone]. 
(TDD for the hearing impaired: [phone].)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board's policy statement may be reviewed 
at the Board's offices and is available to all persons for a charge by 
phoning D.C. NEWS & DATA, INC., at [phone].
    This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the 
human environment or the conservation of energy resources.

    Decided: October 8, 1997.

    By the Board, Chairman Morgan and Vice Chairman Owen.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-27971 Filed 10-21-97; 8:45 am]
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