98-6143. Railroad Cost Recovery ProceduresProductivity Adjustment Decision

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 10, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 11706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-6143]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board
[STB Ex Parte No. 290 (Sub-No. 4)]


Railroad Cost Recovery Procedures--Productivity Adjustment 
Decision

    Decided: March 4, 1998.

Decision

    In our February 9, 1998 decision (Decision) in this proceeding, we 
proposed to adopt 1.096 (9.6% per year) as the measure of average 
growth in railroad productivity for the 1992-1996 (5-year) averaging 
period. Due do a changeover in our computer system, the figure for ton-
miles of revenue freight used to calculate the 1996 output index was 
not exactly accurate. Applying the accurate revenue freight figure 
produces an output index for 1996 of 1.038, not 1.031 (Decision Table 
B), which results in a productivity change for 1996 of 1.137, not 1.129 
(Decision Table B). As a result, we now propose to adopt 1.097 (9.7% 
per year) as the measure of average growth in railroad productivity for 
the 1992-1996 (5-year) averaging period.
    The comment period is extended to March 16, 1998. Comments may be 
filed addressing any perceived data and computational errors in our 
calculation. Any party proposing a different estimate of productivity 
growth must, at the time it files comments, furnish the Board with 
detailed work papers and documentation underlying its calculations. The 
same information must be made available to other parties upon request.
    It is ordered:
    1. Comments are due by March 16, 1998.
    2. An original and 15 copies must be filed with:
    Office of the Secretary, Case Control Branch, Surface 
Transportation Board, Washington, D.C. 20423.
    3. Comments must be served on all parties appearing on the current 
service list.
    4. Unless a further order is issued postponing the effective date, 
the productivity adjustment will become effective March 31, 1998.

    By the Board, Chairman Morgan and Vice Chairman Owen.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-6143 Filed 3-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P