Rails Roll On: Five More Years for California Train Lease
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Notice
Summary
San Joaquin Valley Railroad is extending its lease with Union Pacific to keep running 101.5 miles of rail lines in California for five more years. This means SJVR will continue operating key routes without interruption, keeping trains moving smoothly in the region. No big money changes were mentioned, just a solid commitment to keep the rails rolling through 2030.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Five-Year Extension to Keep Lines Operating
San Joaquin Valley Railroad (SJVR) signed a Lease Amendment on January 9, 2025, to continue leasing and operating 101.5 miles of rail lines in California for an additional five years. This keeps SJVR as the operator of those lines under the amended lease through the extended term.
Waiver Request for 60-Day Labor Notice
SJVR says its projected revenues will exceed $5,000,000 and therefore normally would need to give a 60-day advance labor notice to employees on the affected lines, but SJVR has requested a waiver of that 60-day advance notice requirement. The Board will address the waiver request in a separate decision and will set the exemption's effective date separately.
Lease Includes Interchange Commitment
SJVR certifies that the Lease Amendment it entered into with Union Pacific contains an interchange commitment, and SJVR provided additional information about that commitment under 49 CFR 1150.43(h). A copy of the Lease Amendment with the interchange commitment was submitted to the Board under seal.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20783, First Student, Inc.-Acquisition of Control-Autumn Transportation Inc. and Ambassador Wheelchair Services, Inc.
First Student, Inc. wants to take control of Autumn Transportation Inc. and Ambassador Wheelchair Services, Inc. by buying all their shares. The Surface Transportation Board is giving a thumbs-up to this deal, but people have until November 23, 2026, to share any concerns. If no one objects, the deal will go through on November 24, 2026, potentially changing how these transportation services operate.
2026-20455, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Petitions for Declaratory Order and Petitions for Relief Not Otherwise Specified
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep collecting info from folks like shippers, railroads, and communities who ask for official decisions to clear up disputes. They’re asking for your thoughts by December 7, 2026, to make sure the process stays smooth and useful. This won’t cost extra money but helps keep things clear and fair for everyone involved.
2026-20456, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Classification Index Survey Form
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep using its Classification Index Survey Form, which helps track railroad info. This affects railroad companies that don’t file the big annual report, and they’ll spend about 24 hours a year filling it out. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, with no changes or extra costs planned.
2026-20205, Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP, LLC, et al.-Control Exemption-Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad Company
Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP and its affiliates are taking control of the Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad, a freight railroad running about 160 miles in Illinois and Indiana. This change means Pinsly Holdco and Pinsly Railroad Company will now own and operate KBSR, which was previously controlled by the Stroo Family. The deal, agreed on September 16, 2026, expands Macquarie’s rail network without any immediate cost changes announced.
2026-20206, Union Pacific Railroad Company-Discontinuance of Service Exemption-in San Bernardino County, Cal.
Union Pacific Railroad is stopping freight service on a 2.76-mile stretch of track in Rialto, San Bernardino County, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and residents in zip code 92376 but won’t disrupt other rail traffic. The service stop will take effect November 1, 2026, unless someone steps in to keep it running or files a complaint by early October.
2026-19711, CSX Transportation, Inc.-Abandonment Exemption-in Hamilton County, Ohio
CSX Transportation is planning to stop using about 2 miles of railroad track in Hamilton County, Ohio, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and workers, but any employees impacted will get special protections. If no one steps up to save the line by October 8, 2026, the closure will go ahead on October 28, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06621, Notice of Availability of Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Outbreak Response Activities for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Poultry in the United States and U.S. Territories
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service just released a final plan to handle bird flu outbreaks in U.S. poultry farms and backyards. This plan looks at different ways to respond and protect birds while considering environmental impacts. Everyone involved in poultry farming should check it out before the 30-day review ends on May 19, 2025.
Next: 2025-06630, Gulf Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Gulf Fishery Management Council is holding a one-day meeting on May 8, 2025, to review important fish stock data and shrimp bycatch estimates that affect Gulf fishermen and seafood lovers. They’ll discuss new fishing limits and conservation plans to keep fish populations healthy, which could impact fishing rules and business decisions. The meeting is open to the public and aims to balance fishing with protecting endangered species.