After Press from Sen. Franken, New Federal Action Announced to Improve Rail Service
Press Release
U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) said today that the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB)--which has jurisdiction over the U.S. railroad system--is taking new action to address the poor rail service that has plagued farmers, businesses, utilities, and communities in Minnesota.
In a decision released Wednesday, the STB said that by October 22, it will begin requiring the largest railway companies to file weekly reports on rail service performance. Sen. Franken called for more aggressive action by the STB to improve rail service and clear rail backlogs in the Upper Midwest before they become even more costly and unmanageable.
"Rail service in Minnesota is a mess--it's hurting farmers, businesses, utilities, and communities throughout our state," said Sen. Franken. "They all tell me that shipping delays are a serious threat to their livelihoods, and that they're fed up with rising prices and subpar service. Ever since joining the Senate, I've had a simple message for the STB: do your job by forcing the railroads to do theirs. This decision by the STB is a step in the right direction, but we need more. That's why I'll continue working hard to force real action to address the rail backlog and improve service for our state."
Sen. Franken has long fought to restore shipping standards and broaden competition in the railway industry. After his efforts earlier this year, the STB directed Canadian Pacific Railway Company and BNSF Railway Company to report on how they plan to reduce the grain and fertilizer backlogs. And after Sen. Franken led his colleagues in pressing for more action, the STB came to Minnesota to hear directly from Minnesotans affected by the rail service crisis.
In 2011, Sen. Franken's actions helped cut the fee to file a complaint with the STB from a prohibitive $20,000 to just $350--less than 2 percent of the original cost. The action helped make it easier Minnesota farmers, producers, and businesses to bring their complaints and get relief.
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