Union Pacific ditches 2.76 miles of dusty, unused California track
Published Date: 10/2/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Worker protections under Oregon Short Line
Employees adversely affected by the discontinuance will be protected under the Oregon Short Line Railroad decision (360 I.C.C. 91 (1979)). To challenge whether those protections are adequate, a petition for partial revocation under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) must be filed.
Freight service stopped on 2.76‑mile Rialto line
Union Pacific will discontinue freight operating rights over a 2.76‑mile portion of the Rialto Line in Rialto, San Bernardino County (the line traverses ZIP code 92376). The discontinuance is slated to be effective November 1, 2026, unless a formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance is received; UP states it intends to consummate the discontinuance on or after November 3, 2026.
Deadlines to preserve or contest service
If you want to keep the line in service by offering financial assistance, you must first file a formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance; petitions to stay (that do not involve environmental issues) and formal expressions of intent to file an OFA must be filed by October 9, 2026. Petitions for reconsideration must be filed by October 22, 2026.
No interim trail use or environmental review
Because this proceeding is a discontinuance (not an abandonment), the Board states that interim trail use/rail banking and public use conditions are not appropriate for this line. UP also states that environmental review is not applicable for this discontinuance.
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
2026-20205, 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.
2026-18785, CSX Transportation, Inc.-Abandonment Exemption-in Anne Arundel County, Md.
CSX Transportation is planning to stop using a short 0.72-mile rail line in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, because no trains have run there in two years. This change won’t affect local traffic since trains can use other routes, and employees impacted will get job protections. The shutdown will happen on October 15, 2026, unless someone steps in with a financial offer or legal challenge by late September or early October.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-20207, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Drug and Alcohol Testing Program for Personnel Engaged in Specified Aviation Activities
The FAA is asking for public feedback as it seeks to renew its drug and alcohol testing program for aviation workers, including foreign repair stations. This program helps keep the skies safe by making sure employers follow testing rules and report important info. Comments are due by November 2, 2026, and the renewal won’t add new costs but keeps safety checks on track.