This bill amends federal law to strengthen rail carriers' common carrier obligations, requiring them to provide transportation that meets shippers' needs for timely, efficient, and reliable rail service and fulfills their reasonable service requirements. It expands the criteria the Surface Transportation Board must consider when evaluating alleged service violations, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment of carrier performance. Specifically, the Board must now examine impacts from reductions in service frequency, employment levels, and equipment availability, along with whether service meets local operational needs and previous service experience. The Board will also consider the reasonableness of carrier-imposed conditions like demurrage and how carriers handle equipment owned by others, aiming to hold carriers accountable for service quality. The legislation further mandates that proceedings for alleged violations be expedited and completed within 180 days, with service term proceedings completed within 45 days. If a violation is found, the Board is empowered to prescribe specific transit or cycle times and other service standards to ensure property delivery aligns with shipper requirements.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Transportation and Public Works
Reliable Rail Service Act of 2025
USA119th CongressS-2104| Senate
| Updated: 6/18/2025
This bill amends federal law to strengthen rail carriers' common carrier obligations, requiring them to provide transportation that meets shippers' needs for timely, efficient, and reliable rail service and fulfills their reasonable service requirements. It expands the criteria the Surface Transportation Board must consider when evaluating alleged service violations, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment of carrier performance. Specifically, the Board must now examine impacts from reductions in service frequency, employment levels, and equipment availability, along with whether service meets local operational needs and previous service experience. The Board will also consider the reasonableness of carrier-imposed conditions like demurrage and how carriers handle equipment owned by others, aiming to hold carriers accountable for service quality. The legislation further mandates that proceedings for alleged violations be expedited and completed within 180 days, with service term proceedings completed within 45 days. If a violation is found, the Board is empowered to prescribe specific transit or cycle times and other service standards to ensure property delivery aligns with shipper requirements.