45 U.S.C. § 744 | Termination and continuation of rail services

(a)

Discontinuance

(1)

section 743(b)(2) of this title Except as provided in subsections (c) and (f) of this section, rail service on rail properties of a railroad in reorganization in the region, or of a person leased, operated, or controlled by such a railroad, which transfers to the Corporation or to profitable railroads operating in the region all or substantially all of its rail properties designated for such conveyance in the final system plan, and rail service on rail properties of a profitable railroad operating in the region which transfers substantially all of its rail properties to the Corporation or to other railroads pursuant to the final system plan, may be discontinued, to the extent such discontinuance is not precluded by the terms of the leases and agreements referred to in , if—

(A)

the final system plan does not designate rail service to be operated over such rail properties;

(B)

section 743(b)(1) of this title not sooner than 30 days following the effective date of the final system plan, the trustee or trustees of the applicable railroad in reorganization or a profitable railroad give notice in writing of intent to discontinue such service on a date certain which is not less than 60 days after the date of such notice or on the date of any conveyance ordered by the special court pursuant to , whichever is later; and

(C)

the notice required by subparagraph (B) of this paragraph is sent by certified mail to the Commission; to the chief executive officer, the transportation agencies, and the government of each political subdivision of each State in which such rail properties are located; and to each shipper who has used such rail service during the previous 12 months.

(2)

(A)

section 716(g) of this title section 743(b)(1) of this title If rail properties are not, in accordance with the designations in the final system plan, required to be operated, as a consequence of a recommended arrangement for joint use or operation of rail properties (under ) or as part of a coordination project (under sections 716(c) and (g) of this title), rail service on such properties may be discontinued, subsequent to the date of conveyance of rail properties pursuant to such , if the Commission determines that such rail service on such rail properties is not compensatory and if—

(i)

the petitioner and any other railroad involved in such arrangement or coordination project have, prior to filing an application for such discontinuance, entered into a binding agreement (effective on or before the effective date of such discontinuance) to carry out such arrangement or project;

(ii)

such application is filed with the Commission not later than 1 year after the effective date of the final system plan; and

(iii)

such discontinuance is not precluded by the terms of the leases and agreements referred to in such section 743(b)(2).

(B)

1 See References in Text note below.

For purposes of this paragraph, rail service on rail properties is compensatory if the revenue attributable to such properties from such service equals or exceeds the sum of the avoidable costs of providing such service on such properties plus a reasonable return on the value of such rail properties, as determined in accordance with the standards developed pursuant to section 10362(b)(6)  of title 49.

(C)

The Commission shall make its final determination, with respect to any discontinuance requested under this paragraph, not later than 120 days after the date of filing of an application therefor. The applicant shall have the burden of proving that the service involved is not compensatory. If the Commission fails to make a final determination within such time, the application shall be deemed to be granted.

(D)

The Commission may issue such rules, regulations, and procedures as it deems necessary for the conduct of its functions under this paragraph.

(b)

Abandonment

(1)

Except as provided in subsections (c) and (f) of this section, rail properties over which rail service has been discontinued under subsection (a) of this section may not be abandoned sooner than 120 days after the effective date of the discontinuance. Thereafter, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, such rail properties may be abandoned upon 30 days’ notice in writing to any person (including a government entity) required to receive notice under subsection (a)(1)(C) of this section.

(2)

In any case in which rail properties proposed to be abandoned under this section are designated by the final system plan as rail properties which are suitable for use for other public purposes (including roads or highways, other forms of mass transportation, conservation, and recreation), such rail properties shall not be sold, leased, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of during the 240-day period beginning on the date of notice of proposed abandonment under this section unless such rail properties have first been offered, upon reasonable terms, for acquisition for public purposes.

(3)

Rail service may be discontinued, under subsection (a) of this section, and rail properties may be abandoned, under this section, notwithstanding any provision of part A of subtitle IV of title 49, the constitution or law of any State, or the decision of any court or administrative agency of the United States or of any State.

(c)

Continuation of rail services

No rail service may be discontinued and no rail properties may be abandoned, pursuant to this section—

(1)

in the case of service and properties referred to in subsections (a)(1) and (b)(1) of this section, after 2 years from the effective date of the final system plan or more than 2 years after the date on which the final rail service continuation payment is received, whichever is later; or

(2)

if a financially responsible person (including a government entity) offers—

(A)

to provide a rail service continuation payment which is designed to cover the difference between the revenue attributable to such rail properties and the avoidable costs of providing rail service on such properties, together with a reasonable return on the value of such properties;

(B)

January 2, 1974 to provide a rail service continuation payment which is payable pursuant to a lease or agreement with a State or with a local or regional transportation authority under which financial support was being provided on for the continuation of rail passenger service; or

(C)

to purchase, pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, such rail properties in order to operate rail services thereon.

If a rail service continuation payment is offered, pursuant to paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection, for both freight and passenger service on the same rail properties, the owner of such properties may not be entitled to more than one payment of a reasonable return on the value of such properties.

(d)

Rail freight service

(1)

If a rail service continuation payment is offered, pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(A) of this section, for rail freight service, the person offering such payment shall designate the operator of such service and enter into an operating agreement with such operator. The person offering such payment shall designate as the operator of such service—

(A)

the Corporation, if rail properties of the Corporation connect with the line of railroad involved, unless the Commission determines that such rail service continuation could be performed more efficiently and economically by another railroad;

(B)

any other railroad whose rail properties connect with such line, if the Corporation’s rail properties do not so connect or if the Commission makes a determination in accordance with subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; or

(C)

any responsible person (including a government entity) which is willing to operate rail service over such rail properties.

A designated railroad may refuse to enter into such an operating agreement only if the Commission determines, on petition by any affected party, that the agreement would substantially impair such railroad’s ability to serve adequately its own patrons or to meet its outstanding common carrier obligations. The designated operator shall, pursuant to each such operating agreement (i) be obligated to operate rail freight service on such rail properties, and (ii) be entitled to receive, from the person offering such payment, the difference between the revenue attributable to such properties and the avoidable costs of providing service on such rail properties, together with a reasonable management fee, as determined by the Office.

(2)

¹ The trustees of a railroad in reorganization shall permit rail service to be continued on any rail properties with respect to which a rail service continuation payment operating agreement has been entered into under this subsection. Such trustees shall receive a reasonable return on the value of such properties, as determined in accordance with the standards developed pursuant to section 10362(b)(6)  of title 49.

(3)

section 743(b)(1) of this title If necessary to prevent any disruption or loss of rail service, at any time after the date of conveyance, pursuant to , the Commission shall take such action as may be appropriate under its existing authority (including the enforcement of common carrier requirements applicable to railroads in reorganization in the region) to ensure compliance with obligations imposed under this subsection. The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction, upon petition by the Commission or any interested person (including a government entity), to enforce any order of the Commission issued pursuant to the exercise of its authority under this subsection, or to enjoin any designated entity or the trustees of a railroad in reorganization in the region from refusing to comply with the provisions of this subsection.

(4)

October 19, 1976 No determination of reasonable payment for the use of rail properties of a railroad in reorganization in the region, and no determination of value of rail properties of such a railroad (including supporting or related documents or reports of any kind) which is made in connection with any lease agreement, contract of sale, or other agreement or understanding which is entered into after —

(A)

pursuant to this section; or

(B)

¹¹49 U.S.C. 1613 pursuant to section 762  of this title or section 17  of the Federal Transit Act (),

shall be admitted as evidence, or used for any other purpose, in any civil action, or any other proceeding for damages or compensation, arising under this chapter.

(e)

Rail passenger service

(1)

section 743(b)(1) of this title The Corporation (or a profitable railroad) shall provide rail passenger service for a period of 180 days immediately following the date of conveyance (pursuant to ), with respect to any rail properties over which a railroad in reorganization in the region, or a person leased, operated, or controlled by such a railroad, was providing rail passenger service immediately prior to such date of conveyance. Such service shall be provided on such properties regardless of whether or not such properties are designated in the final system plan as rail properties over which rail service is required to be operated, except with respect to properties over which such service is provided by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

(2)

section 743(b)(1) of this title If a State (or a local or regional transportation authority) was providing financial assistance to support the operation of rail passenger service, pursuant to a lease or agreement which was in effect immediately prior to the date of conveyance (pursuant to such ), the Corporation (or a profitable railroad) shall be bound by the service provisions of such lease or agreement for the duration of the 180-day mandatory operation period specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection. If a State or such an authority was providing financial assistance for the continuation of rail passenger service on rail properties immediately prior to such date of conveyance, it shall provide the same level of financial assistance during such 180-day mandatory operation period. If no such financial assistance was being provided or if no such lease or agreement was in effect immediately prior to such date of conveyance, with respect to any such rail properties, the Corporation (or a profitable railroad) shall provide the same level of rail passenger service, for the duration of such 180-day mandatory operation period, that was provided prior to such date by the applicable railroad. If—

(A)

such financial assistance is not provided;

(B)

a State (or a local or regional transportation authority) has not, by the end of such 180-day mandatory operation period, offered a rail service continuation payment pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(A) of this section;

(C)

an applicable rail service continuation payment pursuant to such subsection (c)(2)(A) is not paid when it is due; or

(D)

section 743(b)(2) of this title a payment required under a lease or agreement, pursuant to or subsection (c)(2)(B) of this section, is not paid when it is due,

the Corporation (or, where applicable, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, a profitable railroad, or the trustee or trustees of a railroad in reorganization in the region) may (i) discontinue such rail passenger service, and (ii) with respect to rail properties not designated for inclusion in the final system plan, abandon such properties pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(3)

section 743(b)(2) of this title Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect the obligation of the Corporation (or a profitable railroad), or of the trustees of the railroads in reorganization in the region, to provide rail passenger service pursuant to or subsection (c)(2)(B) of this section.

(4)

If a State (or a local or regional transportation authority)—

(A)

2 So in original. Probably should be “this”.

offers a rail service continuation payment, pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(A) of the  section, for the operation of rail passenger service after the 180-day mandatory operation period, and

(B)

provides compensation, pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, for operations conducted during the 180-day mandatory operation period; or

(C)

section 743(b)(2) of this title¹49 U.S.C. 1613(a)(2) offers a rail service continuation payment, pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(A) of this section, for the operation of rail passenger service provided under an agreement or lease pursuant to or subsection (c)(2)(B) of this section where such offer is made for the continuation of the service beyond the period required by such agreement or lease, except that such services shall not be eligible for assistance under section 17(a)(2)  of the Federal Transit Act (),

the Corporation (or a profitable railroad) shall continue to provide such service after the end of such period, except as otherwise provided in this subsection.

(5)

(A)

¹ The Secretary shall reimburse the Corporation (or a profitable railroad) for any loss which is incurred by it during the 180-day mandatory operation period specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection which is not compensated for by a State (or a local or regional transportation authority). The amount of such reimbursement shall be determined pursuant to section 17(a)(1)  of the Federal Transit Act.

(B)

¹ The Secretary shall reimburse States, local public bodies, and agencies thereof for additional costs incurred by such States, bodies, and agencies for rail service continuation payments for rail passenger service pursuant to section 17(a)(2)  of the Federal Transit Act.

(C)

¹49 U.S.C. 1613(a)(2) For purposes of the obligation of the Secretary to reimburse the Corporation (or a profitable railroad) or States, local public bodies, and agencies thereof under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph, the level of rail passenger service shall be determined on the basis of train miles, car miles, or some other appropriate indicia of scheduled train movements. Programs to correct deferred maintenance on rolling stock, right-of-way, and other facilities which are designed to maintain service, meet on-time performance, and maintain a reasonable degree of passenger comfort (and costs incurred incident thereto) shall be included within the meaning of the term “loss” as used in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph and within the meaning of the term “additional costs” as used in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph and section 17(a)(2)  of the Federal Transit Act ().

(D)

section 562(a) of this title If a dispute arises with respect to the application of any such regulations, the parties to such dispute may submit such dispute to arbitration by a third party. If the parties are unable to agree upon the selection of an arbitrator, the Chairman of the Commission shall serve in that capacity (except as to matters required to be decided by the Commission, pursuant to ).

(6)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, the Corporation is not obligated to provide rail passenger service on rail properties if a State (or a local or regional transportation authority) contracts for such service to be provided on such properties by an operator other than the Corporation, except that the Corporation shall, where appropriate, provide such operator with access to such properties for such purpose.

(7)

(A)

section 743(b)(1) of this title If a State (or a local or regional transportation authority) in the region offers to provide payment for the provision of additional rail passenger service, the Corporation shall undertake to provide such service pursuant to this subsection (including the discontinuance provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection). An offer to provide payment for the provision of additional rail passenger service shall be made in accordance with subsection (c)(2)(A) of this section, and shall be designed to avoid any additional costs to the Corporation arising from the construction or modification of capital facilities or from any additional operating delays or costs arising from the absence of such construction or modification. The State (or local or regional transportation authority) shall demonstrate that it has acquired, leased, or otherwise obtained access to all rail properties, other than those designated for conveyance to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation pursuant to sections 716(c)(1)(C) and 716(c)(1)(D) of this title and to the Corporation pursuant to , necessary to provide the additional rail passenger service and that it has completed, or will complete prior to the inception of the additional rail service, all capital improvements necessary to avoid significant costs which cannot be avoided by improved scheduling or other means on other existing rail services (including rail freight service) and to assure that the additional service will not detract from the level and quality of existing rail passenger and freight service.

(B)

section 743(b)(1) of this title As used in this paragraph, the term “additional rail passenger service” means rail passenger service (other than rail passenger service provided pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs (2) and (4) of this subsection), including extended or expanded service and modified routings, which is to be provided over rail properties conveyed to the Corporation pursuant to , or over (i) rail properties contiguous thereto conveyed to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation pursuant to this chapter, or (ii) any other rail properties contiguous thereto to which a State (or local or regional transportation authority) has obtained access.

(C)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, the Corporation shall not be required to operate additional rail passenger service over rail properties leased or acquired from or owned or leased by a profitable railroad in the region.

(8)

section 743(b)(2) of this titleNovember 8, 1978 The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Association, conduct a study to determine the best means of compensating the Corporation for liabilities which it may incur for damages to persons or property, resulting from the operation of rail passenger service required to be operated pursuant to this subsection or , which are not underwritten by private insurance carriers or are not indemnified by a State (or local or regional transportation authority). Such study shall identify the nature of the risks to the Corporation, the probable degree of uninsurability of such risks, and the desirability and feasibility of various indemnification programs, including subsidy offers made pursuant to this section, self-insurance through a passenger tax or other mechanism, or government indemnification for such liabilities. Within one year after , the Secretary shall prepare a report with appropriate recommendations and shall submit such report to the Congress. Such report shall specify the most appropriate means of indemnifying the Corporation for such liabilities in a manner which shall prevent the cross-subsidization of passenger services with revenues from freight services operated by the Corporation.

(f)

Purchase

If an offer to purchase is made under subsection (c)(2)(C) of this section, such offer shall be accompanied by an offer of a rail service continuation payment. Such payment shall continue until the purchase transaction is completed, unless a railroad assumes operations over such rail properties of its own account pursuant to an order or authorization of the Commission. Whenever a railroad in reorganization in the region or a profitable railroad gives notice of intent to discontinue service pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, such railroad shall, upon the request of anyone apparently qualified to make an offer to purchase or to provide a rail service continuation payment, promptly make available its most recent reports on the physical condition of such property, together with such traffic and revenue data as would be required under subpart B of part 1121 of chapter X of title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations and such other data as are necessary to ascertain the avoidable costs of providing service over such rail properties.

(g)

Abandonment by Corporation

After the rail system to be operated by the Corporation or a subsidiary thereof under the final system plan has been in operation for 2 years, the Commission may authorize the Corporation or a subsidiary thereof to abandon any rail properties as to which it determines that rail service over such properties is not required by the public convenience and necessity, if the Corporation or a subsidiary thereof can demonstrate that no State (or local or regional transportation authority) is willing to offer a rail service continuation payment pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. The Commission may, at any time after the effective date of the final system plan, authorize additional rail service in the region or authorize the abandonment of rail properties which are not being operated by the Corporation or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof or by any other person. Determinations by the Commission under this subsection shall be made pursuant to applicable provisions of part A of subtitle IV of title 49.

(h)

Interim abandonment

February 5, 1976section 743(b)(1) of this titleAfter , and prior to the date of conveyance (pursuant to ), no railroad in reorganization in the region may discontinue service or abandon any line of railroad other than in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, unless (1) it is authorized to do so by the Association, and (2) no affected State (or local or regional transportation authority) reasonably opposes such action, notwithstanding any provision of any other Federal law, the constitution or law of any State, or the decision or order of, or the pendency of any proceeding before any Federal or State court, agency, or authority.

(i)

Disposition of designated rail properties

section 743(b) of this titleNo railroad in reorganization in the region and no person leased, operated or controlled by such a railroad shall sell, transfer, encumber, or otherwise dispose of rail property, or any right or interest therein, designated for transfer to the Corporation or conveyance to a profitable railroad in the final system plan, except pursuant to . The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any such sale, transfer, encumbrance, or other disposition—

(1)

as to which the Association generally or specifically consents in writing;

(2)

February 5, 1976 which, prior to , had been specifically approved by a United States district court having jurisdiction over the reorganization of a railroad in reorganization under section 77 of the Bankruptcy Act; or

(3)

section 719(c) of this title following certification to the special court, pursuant to , of any such rail properties not previously so certified.

Pub. L. 93–236, title III, § 304Jan. 2, 197487 Stat. 1008 Pub. L. 94–210, title VI, § 607(i)Feb. 5, 197690 Stat. 97 Pub. L. 94–555, title IIOct. 19, 197690 Stat. 2620 Pub. L. 95–473, § 4(b)Oct. 17, 197892 Stat. 1466 Pub. L. 95–607, title II, § 201Nov. 8, 197892 Stat. 3064 Pub. L. 97–449, § 4(b)(2)Jan. 12, 198396 Stat. 2441 Pub. L. 102–240, title III, § 3003(b)Dec. 18, 1991105 Stat. 2088 Pub. L. 104–88, title III, § 327(3)Dec. 29, 1995109 Stat. 951 Pub. L. 104–287, § 6(f)(4)(A)Oct. 11, 1996110 Stat. 3399(, , ; , title VIII, § 804, , , 133; , §§ 205, 206, , , 2621; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , .)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 10362(b)(6) of title 49 Pub. L. 104–88, title I, § 102(a)Dec. 29, 1995109 Stat. 804 section 10362(b)(6) of title 49 section 205(d)(6) of Pub. L. 93–236 Pub. L. 95–473, § 3(b)Oct. 17, 197892 Stat. 1466, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2)(B) and (d)(2), was omitted in the general amendment of subtitle IV of Title 49, Transportation, by , , . Previously, in subsec. (d)(2), “” was substituted for “section 205(d)(6) of this Act”, meaning , on authority of , , , the first section of which enacted subtitle IV of Title 49.

Section 762 of this title Pub. L. 94–210, title VIII, § 806Feb. 5, 197690 Stat. 143Apr. 1, 1978, referred to in subsec. (d)(4)(B), was repealed by , , , eff. .

Pub. L. 103–272, § 7(b)July 5, 1994108 Stat. 1379Section 17 of the Federal Transit Act, referred to in subsecs. (d)(4)(B) and (e)(4)(C), (5)(A) to (C), which was classified to section 1613 of former Title 49, Transportation, was repealed by , , .

act July 1, 1898, ch. 541 30 Stat. 544Oct. 1, 1979Pub. L. 95–598Nov. 6, 197892 Stat. 2682Section 77 of the Bankruptcy Act, referred to in subsec. (i)(2), was classified to section 205 of former Title 11, Bankruptcy. The Bankruptcy Act (, ) was repealed effective , by , §§ 401(a), 402(a), , , section 101 of which enacted revised Title 11. For current provisions relating to railroad reorganization, see subchapter IV (§ 1161 et seq.) of chapter 11 of Title 11.

Amendments

Pub. L. 104–287 Pub. L. 104–88, § 327(3)(B)1996—Subsec. (b)(3). made technical amendment to directory language of . See 1995 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 104–88, § 327(3)(A)section 10362(b)(6) of title 491995—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). , substituted “” for “section 205(d)(6) of this Act”.

Pub. L. 104–88, § 327(3)(B)Pub. L. 104–287Subsec. (b)(3). , as amended by , substituted “part A of subtitle IV of title 49” for “the Interstate Commerce Act”.

Pub. L. 104–88, § 327(3)(C)Subsec. (d)(3). , substituted “this title, the Commission” for “this title, the Commission—”, struck out “(A)” before “shall take such action”, and substituted “under this subsection.” for “under this subsection; and

49 U.S.C. 1(16)(b)“(B) shall have authority, in accordance with the provisions of section 1(16)(b) of the Interstate Commerce Act (), to direct rail service to be provided by any designated railroad or by the trustees of a railroad in reorganization in the region, if a rail service continuation payment has been offered but an applicable operating or lease agreement is not in effect.

For purposes of the preceding sentence, any compensation required as a result of such directed service shall be determined in accordance with the standards developed pursuant to section 205(d)(6) of this Act.”

Pub. L. 104–88, § 327(3)(D)(i)Subsec. (e)(4)(A). , struck out “and under regulations issued by the Office pursuant to section 205(d)(5) of this Act” before “, for the operation”.

Pub. L. 104–88, § 327(3)(D)(ii)Subsec. (e)(4)(C). , struck out “and regulations issued by the Office pursuant to section 205(d)(5) of this Act” after “subsection (c)(2)(A) of this section”.

Pub. L. 104–88, § 327(3)(E)Subsec. (e)(5)(A), (B). , struck out before period at end “and under regulations issued by the Office pursuant to section 205(d)(5) of this Act”.

Pub. L. 104–88, § 327(3)(F)Subsec. (e)(7)(A). , struck out “and under regulations issued by the Office pursuant to section 205(d)(5) of this Act” after “subsection (c)(2)(A) of this section”.

Pub. L. 104–88, § 327(3)(G)Subsec. (g). , substituted “part A of subtitle IV of title 49” for “the Interstate Commerce Act”.

Pub. L. 102–2401991—Subsecs. (d)(4)(B), (e)(4)(C), (5)(A) to (C). substituted “Federal Transit Act” for “Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964”.

Pub. L. 97–449 section 304(j) of Pub. L. 93–236Oct. 17, 1978Pub. L. 95–473 Pub. L. 94–2101983—Subsec. (j). repealed , effective , the date repealed subsec. (j) by repealing section 804 “Sec. 304(j)” of . See 1978 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 95–6071978—Subsec. (e). added subpar. (C) of par. (4) and pars. (7) and (8).

Pub. L. 95–473Subsec. (j). struck out subsec. (j) which provided for exempt rail mass transportation not under the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission.

Pub. L. 94–210, § 8041976—Subsec. (a). , redesignated existing provisions as par. (1) and inserted provision relating to applicability to a railroad in reorganization in the region, or of a person leased, operated, or controlled by such a railroad, in subpar. (B) inserted provision relating to notice on the date of any conveyance ordered by the special court, and in subpar. (C) inserted requirement that notice be sent to the Commission and substituted reference to the chief executive officer for reference to the Governor, and added par. (2).

Pub. L. 94–210, § 804Subsec. (b). , in par. (1) inserted exception of subsecs. (c) and (f) of this section and substituted provisions requiring notice to be sent to any person (including a government entity), for provisions requiring notice to be sent to all those required to receive notice, in par. (2) substituted “240” for “180”, and added par. (3).

Pub. L. 94–210, § 804Subsec. (c). , substituted provisions relating to continuation of rail services and applicability of rail service continuation payments to such continuation, for provisions relating to limitations of Interstate Commerce Act, State constitution or law, or decision of Federal or State court or agency on power to discontinue rail service and abandon rail properties and applicability of rail service continuation subsidies on such power.

Pub. L. 94–210, § 804Subsec. (d). , added subsec. (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (f) and amended.

Pub. L. 94–555, § 205(a)Subsec. (d)(4). , added par. (4).

Pub. L. 94–210Subsec. (e). , §§ 607(i), 804, added subsec. (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (g) and amended.

Pub. L. 94–555, § 205(b)Subsec. (e)(5)(D). , redesignated former subpar. (C) as (D) and added subpar. (C).

Pub. L. 94–210, § 804Subsec. (f). , redesignated former subsec. (d) as (f) and substituted provisions relating to rail service continuation payments, for provisions relating to rail service continuation subsidies. Former subsec. (f) redesignated (h) and amended.

Pub. L. 94–210, § 804Subsec. (g). , redesignated former subsec. (e) as (g) and inserted reference to any subsidiary of a Corporation and provision relating to demonstration by the Corporation, etc., that no State (or local or regional transportation authority) will offer a continuation payment under subsec. (c) of this section.

Pub. L. 94–210, § 804February 5, 1976section 743(b)(1) of this titleJanuary 2, 1974Subsec. (h). , redesignated former subsec. (f) as (h), substituted “, and prior to the date of conveyance (pursuant to )” for “” and “reorganization in the region may” for “reorganization may”, and made minor changes in structure.

Pub. L. 94–210, § 804Subsecs. (i), (j). , added subsecs. (i) and (j).

Pub. L. 94–555, § 206(1)Subsec. (j)(1). , inserted limitation “by rail” to mass transportation services, and provided that any local body providing mass transportation services by rail is exempted from the rules, regulations, and orders promulgated under the Interstate Commerce Act, if interstate fares or application to the Interstate Commerce Commission for a change in such fares is subject to the approval or disapproval of the Governor of any state in which it provides services.

Pub. L. 94–555, § 206(2)Subsec. (j)(2)(B). , substituted definition of “mass transportation services” for “mass transportation”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–287, § 6(f)(4)(A)Oct. 11, 1996110 Stat. 3399Dec. 29, 1995, , , provided that the amendment made by section 6(f)(4)(A) is effective .

Effective Date of 1995 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–88Jan. 1, 1996section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88 section 1301 of Title 49Amendment by effective , see , set out as an Effective Date note under , Transportation.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–555Oct. 1, 1976section 303 of Pub. L. 94–555 section 702 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .

Abolition of Special Court, Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, and Transfer of Functions

section 719(b)(2) of this titleSpecial court abolished and all jurisdiction and functions transferred to United States District Court for District of Columbia, see .

Abolition of Interstate Commerce Commission and Transfer of Functions

Pub. L. 104–88Jan. 1, 1996section 1302 of Title 49 section 101 of Pub. L. 104–88 section 1301 of Title 49 section 205 of Pub. L. 104–88 section 1301 of Title 49Interstate Commerce Commission abolished and functions of Commission transferred, except as otherwise provided in , to Surface Transportation Board effective , by , Transportation, and , set out as a note under . References to Interstate Commerce Commission deemed to refer to Surface Transportation Board, a member or employee of the Board, or Secretary of Transportation, as appropriate, see , set out as a note under .

Abolition of United States Railway Association and Transfer of Functions and Securities

section 1341 of this titleSee .

Applicability of National Environmental Policy Act

Pub. L. 94–210 section 619 of Pub. L. 94–210 section 791 of this titleApplication of National Environmental Policy Act to actions of Commission not affected by title VI of , see , set out as a note under .