TRANSIT

摘要

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) in August declined to intervene in an ongoing dispute between Metra and Union Pacific Railroad over three Chicago-area commuter-rail lines that UP operates. Metra in July had asked the STB to issue a preliminary injunction to prevent UP from taking steps that the Chicago commuter railroad says would "degrade or halt" service on the three Metra lines operated by UP. In a separate filing, the Chicago commuter railroad also asked the STB to determine whether UP has a legal obligation to provide commuter service. UP owns the three lines in the Metra system, including rights of way, track, yards and most stations and parking lots. Historically, UP operated the lines under an agreement with Metra. UP now wants to turn over the commuter service operation to Metra. The two sides have been negotiating a new agreement for about a year, but remain far apart and now are engaged in a lawsuit over the matter.