Railroads Get a Price Tweak: Bureaucracy Rolls On

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.

2026-19105, The Great Walton Railroad Company, Inc.-Continuance in Control Exemption-The Athens Line, LLC

The Great Walton Railroad Company (GWRC) is fixing a paperwork slip-up by officially getting permission to keep controlling The Athens Line, LLC, a small railroad it owns. This move won’t change how the railroads connect or affect big rail companies, and it kicks in on October 4, 2026. No extra costs or employee protections are involved since it’s all small railroads.

2026-19099, Ventura County Railroad Company-Operation Exemption-Ventura County Railway Company, LLC

Ventura County Railroad Company is extending its agreement to operate about 12 miles of rail lines around Port Hueneme and Oxnard for another five years, with an option to add five more. This means VCRR will keep running trains on these tracks without big changes to costs or services, starting October 4, 2026. The deal keeps VCRR as a small rail carrier, making sure local freight keeps moving smoothly.

Previous: 2026-05690, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

The Department of Energy is bringing back a system called ARMS to keep track of people and gear ready to respond to nuclear emergencies. This affects workers and equipment involved in national safety and kicks in after April 23, 2026, unless public feedback says otherwise. No new costs are mentioned, but it helps the government stay prepared and quick in emergencies.

Next: 2026-05692, Accrediting Agencies Currently Undergoing Review for the Purpose of Recognition by the U.S. Secretary of Education

The U.S. Department of Education is reviewing several accrediting agencies that help schools stay top-notch. They want your written comments by 30 days after this notice to decide if these agencies keep their official recognition or expand their roles. This affects students, schools, and agencies nationwide and could impact how programs are approved and funded starting in 2027.