AAR statement on STB Reciprocal Switching Rule

AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies issued the following release regarding the Surface Transportation’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on forced switching.

“The withdrawal of the ill-conceived 2016 forced switching proposal is a positive development, as the extensive record developed by this Board on that proposal clearly demonstrated that it was both unwise and unworkable. In its place, the Board has proposed a new, service-based approach, which AAR is reviewing to understand its scope and possible impact on rail service and network fluidity.

“While the STB did not perform a cost-benefit analysis, any new regulation must be backed by data, narrowly tailored to address a specific and well-defined problem, and ensure benefits exceed costs. Any switching regulation must avoid upending the fundamental economics and operations of an industry critical to the national economy -- that Congress saved once by partially deregulating – and be subject to the highest level of scrutiny. AAR looks forward to engaging with the Board on this important matter.”