[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 161 (Friday, August 20, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 45587]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-21820]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board
[STB Ex Parte No. 633]


Y2K Readiness

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board.

ACTION: Y2K Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board (Board) is opening this 
docket for railroads and other interested parties to inform the Board 
of any anticipated Y2K problems within the railroad transportation 
industries.

DATES: Comments should be filed as soon as possible after any Y2K 
problems are discovered that will not be corrected by December 31, 
1999.

ADDRESSES: Send an original plus 10 copies of any comments, referring 
to STB Ex Parte No. 633, to the Surface Transportation Board, Office of 
the Secretary, Case Control Unit, 1925 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 
20423-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melvin F. Clemens, Jr., (202) 565-
1573. [TDD for the hearing impaired: (202) 565-1695.]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under 49 U.S.C. 11101(a), railroads must 
provide transportation or rail services upon reasonable request. Given 
the complex nature of railroad operations, switching and interchange, 
some potential Y2K problems appear capable of disrupting railroad 
operations and the smooth flow of traffic between rail carriers. In 
such an event, the Board is prepared to assume an active role in the 
interest of the public, both to maintain rail operations while any 
computer problems are repaired and to take steps to return rail service 
to normal levels. If rail service is disrupted, the Board can issue 
temporary emergency service orders and can direct a carrier to operate 
the lines of another carrier that has ceased operations. Such orders 
can be effective for a period of up to 270 days. Emergency orders may 
direct the handling, routing, or distribution of traffic; require joint 
or common use of railroad facilities; or prescribe temporary through 
routes. Additionally, the Board may prioritize traffic, such as the 
movements of coal to electric generating plants, and require traffic to 
move only under special permits.
    The Board also may issue emergency orders to enable Amtrak to 
reroute passenger trains when its normal routes are temporarily 
unavailable. Through the Board's Agent, Melvin F. Clemens, Jr., 
Director, Office of Compliance and Enforcement, such emergency orders 
may be issued at any time, day or night.
    In order to assist the Board in preparing for any possible 
disruptions of railroad operations that may result from Y2K problems, 
the Board is requesting railroads and other interested parties to 
inform the Board of any such anticipated problems before they occur. 
Such information to the Board should be based on specific Y2K problems 
that are considered unresolvable by December 31, 1999.
    Additionally, under section 18 of the Y2K Act, Pub. L. 106-37, 113 
Stat. 185, civil penalties are suspended for a small business concern, 
as defined in section 105 of Title 5, United States Code, for a first 
time violation of a Federally enforceable rule or regulation caused by 
a Y2K failure, if that Federal rule or regulation has not been violated 
within the preceding 3 years by that small business concern. Under 49 
U.S.C. Chapter 119, the Board has the authority to impose civil 
penalties for violations of statutes and regulations within its 
jurisdiction. Under section 18 of the Y2K Act, each agency of the 
United States Government with such authority must establish a point of 
contact within the agency to act as a liaison between the agency and 
small business concerns with respect to problems arising out of Y2K 
failures and compliance with Federal rules or regulations. The Board is 
complying with this statutory requirement by designating its Office of 
Compliance and Enforcement as its point of contact for small business 
concerns that experience a Y2K failure.
    Board decisions and notices are available on our website at 
``WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.'' This notice will also be specifically served on 
the Association of American Railroads, The American Short Line and 
Regional Railroad Association, the Federal Railroad Administration, and 
Amtrak.

    Decided: August 17, 1999.

    By the Board, Chairman Morgan, Vice Chairman Clyburn, and 
Commissioner Burkes.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-21820 Filed 8-18-99; 2:52 pm]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P