St. Louis Rails Reassigned: Trains Roll On Unfazed
Published Date: 7/18/2025
Notice
Summary
West Belt Railway, LLC is stopping its train service on two rail lines in St. Louis and St. Louis County by October 17, 2025. The Terminal Railroad Association will take over service, so customers won’t lose access. This change ends West Belt’s lease and responsibilities, with no expected impact on service or costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Railroad seeks relief from labor protections
In its June 30, 2025 petition, West Belt Railway asserts it is entitled to relief from labor protective conditions because it is seeking to discontinue service over its entire system and will have no residual interest in railroad assets. West Belt cites prior Board decisions as the basis for that claim.
Service continues under Terminal Railroad
West Belt Railway, LLC filed on June 30, 2025 to stop service on two rail lines in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County by October 17, 2025. The Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) has agreed to resume service in place of West Belt, so customers on the lines (ZIP codes 63147, 63155, 63120, 63121, 63133, 63130, and 63132) will not lose common carrier service and no change in service or costs is expected.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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