[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 165 (Thursday, August 24, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 51644]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-21676]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Docket No. MC-F-20972]


Laidlaw Inc., et al.--Control and Merger--918897 Ontario Inc., B. 
R. Babcock Limited, Babcock Coach Lines Limited, Lee Line Corp., and 
Lee Charter Services, Inc.

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board Department of Transportation.

ACTION: Postponement of effective date and establishment of new filing 
dates.

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SUMMARY: In a notice served and published in the Federal Register on 
July 13, 2000 (65 FR 43395), the Surface Transportation Board (Board) 
tentatively approved, inter alia, an application filed under 49 U.S.C. 
14303 by Laidlaw Inc. (Laidlaw), a noncarrier, to acquire indirect 
control, through two subsidiaries, Laidlaw Transit Ltd., and Laidlaw 
Transit, Inc., of a noncarrier and several motor passenger carriers. 
Comments concerning the application were due to be filed by August 28, 
2000, and if no opposing comments were received, the notice would 
become the final Board action and approval of the application would be 
effective on that date. Based on information in the application, the 
Board tentatively found the proposed transaction to be in the public 
interest. In Laidlaw Inc., and Laidlaw Transit Acquisition Corp.--
Merger--Greyhound Lines, Inc., STB Docket No. MC-F-20940 (STB served 
Aug. 18, 2000), however, the Board has requested additional information 
from Laidlaw and Greyhound Lines, Inc. (Greyhound), because Greyhound, 
in a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, 
indicated that Laidlaw is having financial problems and is curtailing 
funding to Greyhound. Greyhound indicated that if it does not find 
additional funding from other sources, it ``may not be able to continue 
to operate as a going concern.'' In view of this significant new 
development, the Board's tentative finding that the proposed 
transaction is in the public interest may no longer be appropriate. 
Accordingly, the effective date in this proceeding is being postponed 
pending further action by the Board. Interested persons and applicants 
may file comments under the schedule set out in this decision.

DATES: Comments may be filed by September 11, 2000. Applicants may file 
a reply to comments by September 25, 2000. Regardless of whether 
comments are filed, the effective date of this proceeding is postponed 
pending further order of the Board.

ADDRESSES: Send an original and 10 copies of any comments referring to 
STB Docket No. MC-F-20972 to: Surface Transportation Board, Office of 
the Secretary, Case Control Unit, 1925 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 
20423-0001. In addition, send one copy of comments to applicants' 
representative: Fritz R. Kahn, 1920 N Street (8th Floor), N.W., 
Washington, DC 20036-1601.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph H. Dettmar, (202) 565-1600. 
[TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-877-8339.]
    This decision will not significantly affect the quality of the 
human environment or the conservation of energy resources.
    It is ordered:
    1. The effective date of the Board's prior decision in this 
proceeding is postponed pending further order of the Board.
    2. Comments and replies are now due by September 11, 2000, and 
September 25, 2000, respectively. Regardless of whether comments are 
filed, the prior decision will not become effective pending further 
order of the Board.
    3. This decision will be effective on August 18, 2000.
    4. A copy of this notice will be served on: (1) The U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration--HMCE-
20, 400 Virginia Avenue, S.W., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024; (2) the 
U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, 10th Street & 
Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20530; and (3) the U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Office of the General Counsel, 400 7th 
Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20590.

    Decided: August 18, 2000.

    By the Board, Vernon A. Williams, Secretary.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 00-21676 Filed 8-23-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P