Open Access, How Would it be Established and Administered?

[daveklepper]

We'd use the British experience and end up in the pickle.

[Anonymous]

There, I removed the carets for you LC. If you need anymore help, give Bill Gates a call.

[dehusman]

You have to remove the carets (<,>) at the ends and then they work.

Dave H.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal

<http://www.zetatech.com/CORPQIII44.htm>

<http://www.railcompetition.org/index2.htm> - look under "Railroad Regulation: Changes in Railroad Rates and Service Quality Since
1990 (Chapter Report, 04/16/99, GAO/RCED-99-93)"

The Australian experience: <http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/Freight.nsf/AllDocs/6B33905E20D6D3AECA256E0500058650?OpenDocument#opt>

The only thing I would add is my belief that a private open access operator would not be viable without an "equalization" with other modes ROW taxation and funding, which means elimination of the ROW property taxes, an extension of the shortline maintenance tax credit to all open access operations regardless of Class, and an eligibility for funding under an Infrastructure Trust Fund.

Hmmmm. And not a single one of those links works, go figger...

LC

[Anonymous]

http://www.zetatech.com/CORPQIII44.htm

http://www.railcompetition.org/index2.htm - look under "Railroad Regulation: Changes in Railroad Rates and Service Quality Since
1990 (Chapter Report, 04/16/99, GAO/RCED-99-93)"

The Australian experience: http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/Freight.nsf/AllDocs/6B33905E20D6D3AECA256E0500058650?OpenDocument#opt

The only thing I would add is my belief that a private open access operator would not be viable without an "equalization" with other modes ROW taxation and funding, which means elimination of the ROW property taxes, an extension of the shortline maintenance tax credit to all open access operations regardless of Class, and an eligibility for funding under an Infrastructure Trust Fund.

[kenneo]

Charlie

The only way to make it work is for the Feds to purchase the right-of-way - all of the railroad right-of-way - nationally and also each individual railroad. Then open the tracks to "owner-operator" "rail transport companies" on a ton-mile basis similar to what is charged by the various states.

This hasn't worked well in Britain, so why should it work here? It's sort of like Minneta's remarks about Amtrack - Bust up Amtrack like Bush wants and Amtrack will get 1.2 billion $$$ to run the trains that won't be there.

[edblysard]

Hang on a second,,,I'm gonna have to get more bells!
[:D]

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

Those who have followed my postings know that I believe that the concept of open access is unrealistic. However, since its proponents believe that it will solve problems as varied as too-high rates and capacity constraints, I feel that they are entitled to their day in court.

1. How would open access be established, legally and constitutionally?

2. How would it be administered fairly, in view of the constraints imposed by track capacity?

3. How would user fees (trackage rights charges) be determined?