By Railfan & Railroad Staff

The U.S. Surface Transporation Board announced this week that it was establishing a Passenger Rail Advisory Committee to help the federal regulator deal with issues relating to the development and operation of passenger railroads. 

The committee will have 18 voting members made up of individuals knowledgeable in passenger rail transportation, freight rail transportation, commuter rail operations, and transportation public policy. 

“I am very pleased that the Board is taking this necessary step in creating the PRAC,” said Chairman Martin J. Oberman in a press release. “Once we are able to seek nominations and select members for the inaugural committee, the Board looks forward to working with the members to better understand the issues impacting passenger rail and hear their valuable insights. Based on the Board’s very positive experience with our other advisory committees, I fully expect the creation of this new passenger-oriented committee will prove equally valuable to the Board members.” 

The decision to create such a committee comes as the STB is handling more passenger-related issues. It recently launched an investigation into how UP is handling the Sunset Limited.