Reading Railroad Gains Track Access from Wilkes-Barre Operator
Published Date: 10/15/2026
Notice
Summary
Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad (RBMN) is getting the green light to use about 42 miles of tracks owned by Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway (WBT) in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. This means RBMN can run local trains on these tracks starting October 29, 2026, with job protections for any affected workers. No big money changes are expected, just smoother local rail service in the area.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Job Protections for Affected Railroad Employees
Any employees affected by the acquisition of the trackage rights will be protected under the conditions imposed in Norfolk & Western Railway—Trackage Rights—Burlington Northern, Inc., 354 I.C.C. 605 (1978), as modified in Mendocino Coast Railway—Lease & Operate—California Western Railroad, 360 I.C.C. 653 (1980). These protections apply to employees impacted by the trackage rights transaction described in Docket No. FD 36959.
RBMN Granted 41.79 Miles of Local Trackage Rights
Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad (RBMN) is authorized to operate local trains over approximately 41.79 miles of Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway track in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The trackage rights cover specific segments totaling 41.79 miles and may be consummated on or after October 29, 2026, but cannot be consummated until Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway has exercised its acquisition authority in Docket No. FD 36958. The notice states no big money changes are expected and the authority is for RBMN to provide local service.
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
2026-21035, Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway Company-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority and Luzerne County Rail Corporation
Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway Company is taking over about 60 miles of rail lines from Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority and its rail subsidiary in Pennsylvania. This means WBT will now run these tracks, both active and some inactive, helping local rail service stay strong. The change is happening soon and won’t cost taxpayers extra, but it could boost local business and rail efficiency.
2026-20889, Fees for Services Performed in Connection With Licensing and Related Services-2026 Update
Starting November 12, 2026, the Surface Transportation Board is updating its fees for filing cases and related services. Most fees (87 out of 135) will go up a bit, while 48 will stay the same. This means if you work with the Board, expect some higher costs when you file paperwork next year.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-21033, Product Change-Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements; USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements
The Postal Service is updating its Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage shipping deals by adding new negotiated service agreements. These changes affect businesses and customers who use these shipping options, aiming to improve service and pricing. The updates were officially filed in early October 2026 and could impact shipping costs and contract terms soon.
Next: 2026-21035, Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway Company-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority and Luzerne County Rail Corporation
Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway Company is taking over about 60 miles of rail lines from Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority and its rail subsidiary in Pennsylvania. This means WBT will now run these tracks, both active and some inactive, helping local rail service stay strong. The change is happening soon and won’t cost taxpayers extra, but it could boost local business and rail efficiency.