Surface Transportation Board seeks public input on proposed mediation rules

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) plans to hold a public hearing Aug. 2 to explore issues raised by its proposed regulations that would increase the use of mediation and arbitration in disputes before the board.



Although procedures are in place for both mediation and arbitration, the board last March proposed refining and expanding those rules to promote a greater use of alternative dispute resolution procedures. The proposed rules would require parties to mediate certain matters and simplify current voluntary mediation procedures.

“The board also proposes a new program in which shippers and carriers could agree to arbitrate certain routine disputes that come before the board, “STB members said in a meeting announcement. “Class I and Class II rail carriers would be deemed to agree voluntarily to participate in the board's proposed arbitration program unless they ‘opt out.’ ”