Transportation Board Scraps Rate Review After Court Loss

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.

2026-20455, 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.

2026-20206, 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.

2026-20205, 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.

2026-19711, 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.

2026-19627, 5E SVM Railway Company, LLC-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-Assets of Trona Railway Company LLC

5E SVM Railway Company, LLC is taking over and running a 30.6-mile rail line in California from Trona Railway Company LLC. This change means SVMR will start offering rail service right away, with expected yearly earnings under $5 million. No big railroad status changes or limits on connections with other railroads will happen.

Previous: 2025-10097, Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

If you own a Robinson R44 or R44 II helicopter, this new rule updates an earlier safety check on some important parts like the flex plate and clutch shaft yokes. It keeps the same inspections but makes the alternative checks clearer and adds a special paint remover to help. You’ll need to keep up with these repeated inspections to keep flying safe, but no big new costs are expected.

Next: 2025-10273, Special Local Regulation; East River, Mathews, VA

The Coast Guard is setting up a special safety zone on the East River in Mathews, VA, during an annual boat docking contest. Only people and boats with permission can enter this area to keep everyone safe. This temporary rule helps prevent accidents and keeps the fun flowing smoothly without costing anyone extra money.