Mandatory Switching Proposal for Class I Railroads Draws Fire

“NITL and supporters of its flawed proposal ignore the underlying economics of network industries and seek to require the board to make arbitrary and capricious rulings on rates and access,” added Marc Scribner, fellow in land use and transportation studies, on behalf of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, in a separate statement.

“There is no question that giving into the political demands of vocal captive shippers would in the short-run provide limited rate relief to said shippers,” Scribner continued. “However, given the history of railroad regulation and deregulation in the United States, any acquiescence on the part of the board will likely harm railroads, shippers, consumers and the overall economy in the long-run.”