Walz, Oberstar Introduce Bill to Promote Railroad Competition

Press Release

WALZ, OBERSTAR INTRODUCE BILL TO PROMOTE RAILROAD COMPETITION

Rep. Tim Walz joined with ten of his House colleagues, including Transportation Committee Chairman and fellow Minnesota Jim Oberstar, to introduce the Railroad Competition and Service Improvement Act (H.R. 2125) last week. The legislation will promote competition in the freight rail industry and address the challenges faced by rail shippers who are served by only one rail line.

"Today, only four Class I railroads serve the entire North American continent and control more than 95 percent of all rail business, said Rep. Walz, who is a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. "In most industries, when there is a lack of competition, it's the customers who suffer - the rail industry is no different. Our producers, businesses and consumers are paying the price for a rail system that allows monopolies to dominate the market. That needs to change."

The legislation Rep. Walz is cosponsoring would require the Surface Transportation Board to promote effective competition among rail carriers at origins and destinations, enforce reasonable rates for rail customers in the absence of competition, and ensure efficient and reliable rail transportation service for rail customers. Additionally, it makes appeals to the STB more accessible by reducing the current filing fee of $178,200 to a filing fee equivalent to that of a Federal District Court.

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