FOR RELEASE
Contact: Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221
09/19/2014 (Friday)
Janie Sheng
No. 14-15


FedRelay 1 (800) 877-8339
www.stb.gov



SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD AWARDS CONTRACT FOR STUDY OF RAILROAD RATE REGULATION ALTERNATIVES


The Surface Transportation Board announced today that it has awarded a contract to InterVISTAS Consulting LLC (InterVISTAS) to conduct an independent analysis that evaluates potential alternative rate regulation approaches, with the goal of reducing the time, cost and complexity of rate reasonableness complaints brought before the Board.


Under the contract, InterVISTAS will conduct an independent analysis entitled Railroad Rate Regulation Study. The focus of the study will be on alternatives that are likely to reduce the time, complexity and expenses that historically have been associated with the Stand-Alone Cost methodology, without diminishing the Board's ability to achieve outcomes that are fair and reasonable to shippers and railroads.


The contract was awarded through a competitive bid process in accordance with Federal procurement regulations and procedures. The Board expects that the study will be completed and made public in late 2015.


InterVISTAS is an international transportation professional services firm with offices in the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. InterVISTAS has multidisciplinary expertise in transportation industry economic analysis, modeling, forecasting, and network development, including experience involving freight rail, airlines and ferries. InterVISTAS also will be partnering with firms that have additional economic, financial planning, technical and legal expertise in the railroad and utility industries.


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