Short Line Railroads

There are numerous short line railroads, and the number is growing due to federal deregulation. Short line railroads are typically Class III railroads, as defined by the STB. Class III railroads include all switching and terminal companies and all line-haul railroads that have annual operating revenues of less than $35,809,698 million (as of 2017). (60) Many of these short line railroads provide switching and terminal services for the larger Class I and II railroad companies. Many short line railroads are members of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). The ASLRRA provides liaison with governmental agencies, serves as a source for information and assistance, and provides other benefits to short ‑line railroads. Ownership of these smaller rail lines varies from State or local governments, port authorities, other short lines, private entrepreneurs, and shipper groups. Many new owners of short lines are keenly aware of the costs of line acquisition, track and rolling stock rehabilitation, and other operational expenditures. However, new operators may be unaware of the substantial expenditures needed for rebuilding crossing surfaces, renewing older traffic control systems, and maintaining them. Costs associated with crossings may constitute a considerable portion of the limited annual maintenance-of-way budgets of short-line railroads. An abandoned plant, when acquired by the new owner, may not be in good condition. The track condition may be adequate, requiring little annual expense in comparison to other plant needs. Therefore, as annual track maintenance costs are reduced, crossing expenditures may constitute as much as 50 percent of the annual maintenance- of-way budget over a period of years. This depends on factors such as the location of the line in relation to population centers and the volume of heavy truck traffic. On short-line railroads, there is often a lack of specialized personnel in-house for handling crossing responsibilities, such as the continuing maintenance of highly complex electronic grade crossing warning systems. Although rail traffic on smaller lines tends to be sparse, as well as slow , grade crossing safety on smaller lines is no less important than those on larger railroads. National statistics indicate that the vast majority of crossing collisions occur at relatively low train speeds. 157Adequate planning is essential to ensure the proper formation of new short line railroads and to improve their survival as a necessary part of the U.S. transportation system. State agencies can assist by informing short line railroads of the requirements for improving crossings on their system and direct them to other appropriate sources of information. State agencies should ensure that the short line railroads operating in their State are included in the lines of communication regarding crossings. Short line railroads also should be encouraged to participate in other crossing safety programs, such as Operation Lifesaver.