ARA Joins Rail Customer Coalition Letter to STB on Increasing Rail Competition

ARA joined the Rail Customer Coalition calling on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to adopt the pro-competitive rail policies highlighted in President Biden's Executive Order for further competition in the rail industry.

Since 2004, with the vast majority of rail traffic controlled by the four largest railroads, real rail rates (adjusted for inflation) have increased by 43 percent, according to the letter.

ARA and the rest of the Coalition urge the Board to finalize reciprocal switching rules and to consider further steps that will at long last provide shippers with greater access to competitive rail service. The Board should also finalize workable rate relief procedures for shippers that lack competitive transportation options and scrutinize potential rail mergers to ensure the public interest is protected. Such actions will help fully achieve the Staggers Act’s vision of a healthy and competitive freight rail system.

Read the letter to learn more.

LETTER