The Surface Transportation Board (STB) intends to establish a federal advisory committee on passenger rail service. The committee, which will be known as the Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (PRAC), will provide advice and guidance to the STB on passenger rail service issues and will consist of approximately 18 voting members.
STB issued a notice of intent to establish the PRAC on Nov. 13, 2023, and a charter of the committee will be filed with the STB’s congressional oversight committees at least 15 days following the notice. After that filing, STB will issue a decision seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the new committee.
“I am pleased the board is taking this necessary step in creating the PRAC,” said STB Chairman Martin J. Oberman. “Once we are able to seek nominations and select members for the inaugural committee, the board looks forward to working with the members to better understand the issues impacting passenger rail and hear their valuable insights. Based on the board’s positive experience with our other advisory committees, I fully expect the creation of this new passenger-oriented committee will prove equally valuable to the board members.”
STB says PRAC’s voting members will be a balanced representation of individuals knowledgeable in passenger rail transportation, freight rail transportation, commuter rail operations and transportation public policy.
The PRAC is being established in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. Chapter 10, to help the STB better fulfill its statutory responsibilities in overseeing certain aspects of passenger rail service. The PRAC’s activities will include providing information, advice and recommendations to the STB on issues impacting the development and operation of railroad passenger services, including improving efficiency on passenger rail routes; reducing disputes between passenger rail carriers and freight rail hosts regarding the use of freight rail carrier-owned facilities and infrastructure for passenger service, including passenger on-time performance issues and improving regulatory processes related to intercity passenger rail to the benefit of the public, the communities served by passenger rail and the environment. The PRAC’s meetings will be open to the public.
STB’s notice of intent create the PRAC can be viewed here.
