(Per Kaplan Kirsch LLP) The Surface Transportation Board has issued a decision accepting the revised UP-NS merger application but (a) requesting further information from the applicants by July 27, 2026, and (b) holding the proceeding in abeyance until the STB issues a scheduling order.

• The STB accepts the application as complete, while noting many deficiencies that may bear on the merits.

• The STB requires Applicants to supplement their application by July 27 with a number of items related to: enhanced competition; access to 2-to-1 and 3-to-2 shippers (including ports); diversion analysis; service assurance plans; market share projections; downstream merger impacts; passenger rail; and workpaper issues.

• The STB will hold proceedings in abeyance until receiving the supplement from Applicants, though discovery may continue.

• The STB has determined that it will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in connection with this application. The STB has also changed its procedures regarding environmental review, moving the public comment period earlier in the process and declining to issue a draft EIS. The schedule for environmental review has not been issued yet, and the environmental process is being held in abeyance.

• The STB will not issue a procedural schedule at this time.

• Applicants’ motion requesting expanded ex parte communications is denied.

  Items of note that will bear on CRC’s strategic considerations in commenting on the application and seeking conditions:

Treatment of passenger rail impacts in both the application and STB decision is cursory (pp. 6-7; 31-32):

• The Board notes that the applicants claim changes in operations of the merged entity will not affect existing passenger services, but finds applicants’ analysis “does not explain how passenger trains will actually be affected”.

• The Board requests that the applicants conduct a passenger impact analysis to demonstrate how the merged operations will accommodate existing levels of passenger service.

• The Board does not signal that it will require the applicants to address any expected expansion of passenger services.

As a reminder, CRC has filed a position of interest with the STB which gives the association access to all filings related to the merger application and standing on which to challenge a merger’s impacts on commuter rail operations.

***

• (Per Politico) FTA’s associate administrator for communications and congressional affairs Connor Torossian told a group of colleagues Tuesday to prepare for the possibility that Congress could extend existing surface transportation authorities, a person who was on the conference call told Politico.  The current infrastructure law expires September 30. 

• The Federal Transit Administration has announced $166 million in available FY2026 grants for rail vehicle replacements. Applications are due July 6. 

World Trade Center / MTA Red Line Conference Room
401 E. Pratt St, Baltimore | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

• CRC board meetings are open only to members in good standing.

• Please arrive early as building escort is required for elevator access.

• To participate via Zoom, please RSVP to MAJ@CommuterRailCoalition.org by COB Thursday, June 25.

“With thousands of fans and visitors from around the world expected to attend, Metrolink will play a critical role in connecting locals and out-of-town guests to these historic events while reducing traffic and improving mobility across the region. As we welcome one of sport’s greatest global traditions, we will also be paying close attention to lessons learned, as Southern California prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in just two short years.” - Doug Chaffee, Metrolink Board Chair

To help residents and out-of-town guests travel safely and efficiently to and from 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, celebrations and related activities, Metrolink will supplement its existing schedule with special service during all eight Los Angeles match days at SoFi Stadium and four fan fest dates at Union Station. 

Metrolink’s modified schedule will include late-night options for evening matches. With their Metrolink ticket, customers enjoy complimentary transfers to LA Metro, including special direct bus service between LA Union Station and Los Angeles Stadium.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• Public Transit’s Pandemic Woes Persist (Governing)

• Mike Noland reflects South Shore Line (Chicago Tribune)

• Amtrak injunction petition denied in federal court amid lawsuit against Metro-North (FOX61 News)

• Connect Bay Area campaign reports collection of more than 300,000 signatures (Mass Transit)

• TriMet moves forward on streamlining spending and resizing agency as search for new revenue continues (TriMet News)

• House GOP appropriators sharply cut rail funding: Analysis (TrainsPro)

• Metra Adding Daily Stops, Weekend Trains On Rock Island Line Through Beverly (Block Club Chicago)

• Americans Are Finally Using Public Transportation And All It Took Were Historic Gas Prices (JALOPNIK)

• Blue State Delusion Over Unions (The Atlantic)