The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee gave bipartisan approval of South Dakota Senator John Thune’s Surface Transportation Board (STB) reform bill, which he introduced along with Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia.  Thune says the bill, the STB Reauthorization Act of 2014, would streamline the board’s ability to work together and address rate disputes and service complaints…

 

The STB reform bill expands on the work Thune has done with the STB since the beginning of the year to hold railroads accountable for the backlog of rail car and locomotives in South Dakota.

Thune says this bill gives both shippers and the railroads chances to settle their disputes in less time…

 

Thune has worked with the STB, as well as senior leadership of Canadian Pacific Railway and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, to address service issues that South Dakota shippers have raised.

Thune says there is a lot of support for his bill…

 

Thune says this is on possible solution to address the shortage of rail cars and delivery delays. The bill now moves to the full Senate.