The Disappearing Diagrams

Abstract

Railroads are ignoring the statutory and regulatory requirement that they file current system diagram maps with the Surface Transportation Board. As a result shippers and communities are denied advance notice of lines likely to be shut down or abandoned. Moreover, potential operators qualified to purchase and render service on such lines are unable to force their sales contemplated by the law without having to prove the inordinate service deficiencies of the railroads, nearly an impossible burden.