STB solicits your opinion for 'on-time' passenger-train performance, preference issues
January 1st, 2016
December 29, 2015 - Progressive Railroading / TRA Newswire
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is seeking public comment on two decisions it issued yesterday involving passenger train on-time performance and preference issues.
The board issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that defines "on-time performance" involving cases brought before the board under Section 213 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008.
Under the section, if the on-time performance of any intercity passenger train averages less than 80 percent for any two consecutive calendar quarters, the STB may launch an investigation or Amtrak and others may file a complaint with the board requesting that it initiate an investigation.
The STB is proposing that a train would be considered "on time" if it arrives at its final terminus no more than five minutes after its scheduled arrival time for each 100 miles the train operated, or 30 minutes after its scheduled arrival time, whichever is less. The Midwest High Speed Rail Association points out "this definition of on-time performance falls short as it only takes into
account the final destination. Amtrak often adds a half-hour cushion for longer routes and 15 minutes for shorter routes. That means a train can be significantly late at intermediate stations but be counted as on-time for the entire trip."
Texas Rail Advocates obtained Amtrak on-time performance for Amtrak trains #21 and #22, Texas Eagle service at Longview, Texas which is close to the mid-point of the train journey. On December 27, 28 and 29 five trains arrived between 1 to 2 hours late at Longview with one train arriving 23 minutes late. No train arrived on time. There was no indication given for the cause of the trains to run tardy.
In a statement the Midwest high speed rail organization said that "it is important that the STB include tracking on-time performance at intermediate stations in their new definition. This would provide a clearer picture of train delays and what needs to be done to provide more reliable service."
The STB also has proposed a policy statement that addresses issues that arise, as well as evidence, in complaint proceedings. The statement interprets the statutory preference accorded to Amtrak trains over freight trains, and the phrase "attributable to a . . . failure to provide preference," according to an STB press release. The statement also provides guidance regarding the evidence that may be most useful in proceedings.
National Association of Railroad Passengers board member John Delora pointed out "this is a rare instance in which the number of public comments will count. The STB actually reads incoming comments, unlike most legislative offices. I believe they are utterly unaware of how big this issue is with the general public." Delora said if you file an opinion on the issues be sure to tell the STB if you are a regular rider and how often you travel.
The public comment period concerning on time performance will conclude on Feb. 8 and the PPS comment period will end on Feb. 22. Click here to learn more
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is seeking public comment on two decisions it issued yesterday involving passenger train on-time performance and preference issues.
The board issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that defines "on-time performance" involving cases brought before the board under Section 213 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008.
Under the section, if the on-time performance of any intercity passenger train averages less than 80 percent for any two consecutive calendar quarters, the STB may launch an investigation or Amtrak and others may file a complaint with the board requesting that it initiate an investigation.
The STB is proposing that a train would be considered "on time" if it arrives at its final terminus no more than five minutes after its scheduled arrival time for each 100 miles the train operated, or 30 minutes after its scheduled arrival time, whichever is less. The Midwest High Speed Rail Association points out "this definition of on-time performance falls short as it only takes into
account the final destination. Amtrak often adds a half-hour cushion for longer routes and 15 minutes for shorter routes. That means a train can be significantly late at intermediate stations but be counted as on-time for the entire trip."
Texas Rail Advocates obtained Amtrak on-time performance for Amtrak trains #21 and #22, Texas Eagle service at Longview, Texas which is close to the mid-point of the train journey. On December 27, 28 and 29 five trains arrived between 1 to 2 hours late at Longview with one train arriving 23 minutes late. No train arrived on time. There was no indication given for the cause of the trains to run tardy.
In a statement the Midwest high speed rail organization said that "it is important that the STB include tracking on-time performance at intermediate stations in their new definition. This would provide a clearer picture of train delays and what needs to be done to provide more reliable service."
The STB also has proposed a policy statement that addresses issues that arise, as well as evidence, in complaint proceedings. The statement interprets the statutory preference accorded to Amtrak trains over freight trains, and the phrase "attributable to a . . . failure to provide preference," according to an STB press release. The statement also provides guidance regarding the evidence that may be most useful in proceedings.
National Association of Railroad Passengers board member John Delora pointed out "this is a rare instance in which the number of public comments will count. The STB actually reads incoming comments, unlike most legislative offices. I believe they are utterly unaware of how big this issue is with the general public." Delora said if you file an opinion on the issues be sure to tell the STB if you are a regular rider and how often you travel.
The public comment period concerning on time performance will conclude on Feb. 8 and the PPS comment period will end on Feb. 22. Click here to learn more