[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 133 (Thursday, July 11, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46022-46023]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-17110]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Docket No. MC-F-20990]


Laidlaw Inc.--Acquisition of Control--Rockton Bus Company, Inc.

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board.

ACTION: Notice tentatively approving finance transaction.

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SUMMARY: In an application filed under 49 U.S.C. 14303, Laidlaw, Inc. 
(Laidlaw), a noncarrier, through its indirectly controlled subsidiary, 
Laidlaw Transit, Inc. (Transit Inc.) (collectively referred to as 
Laidlaw), seeks to acquire indirect control of Rockton Bus Company, 
Inc. (Rockton), a motor passenger carrier. Persons wishing to oppose 
the application must follow the rules under 49 CFR 1182.5 and 1182.8. 
The Board has tentatively approved the transaction, and, if no opposing 
comments are timely filed, this notice will be the final Board action.

DATES: Comments must be filed by August 26, 2002. Applicant may file a 
reply by September 9, 2002. If no comments are filed by August 26, 
2002, this notice is effective on that date.

ADDRESSES: Send an original and 10 copies of any comments referring to 
STB Docket No. MC-F-20990 to: (1) Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, send one copy of 
any comments to applicant's representative: Fritz R. Kahn, 1920 N 
Street (8th Floor), NW., Washington, DC 20036-1601.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beryl Gordon, (202) 565-1600. [TDD for 
the hearing impaired: 1-800-877-8339.]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Rockton is a motor passenger carrier that is 
authorized to provide special and charter operations pursuant to 
federally issued authority in Docket No. MC-165295. Laidlaw submits 
that, pursuant to a voting trust agreement, dated November 1, 1999, 
Transit, Inc., acquired all of Rockton's outstanding shares of stock.
    Laidlaw directly or indirectly controls a number of motor passenger 
carriers, including Transit, Inc. (MC-161299). Laidlaw's motor 
passenger carrier subsidiaries, with the exception of Greyhound Lines, 
Inc. (Greyhound), are largely limited to charter and special operations 
in the United States. Greyhound holds federally issued operating 
authority in Docket No. MC-1515 and provides mainly nationwide, 
scheduled regular-route operations. As a result of the proposed 
acquisition, Laidlaw asserts that Rockton will be able to offer its 
Illinois and Iowa originated passengers tour and sightseeing services 
over an expanded area and that the addition of Rockton to the Laidlaw 
family will promote the efficient use of buses and ensure that Rockton 
and the other Laidlaw affiliates will have an adequate number of buses 
to serve the public.
    Under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b), we must approve and authorize a 
transaction we find consistent with the public interest, taking into 
consideration at least: (1) The effect of the transaction on the 
adequacy of transportation to the public; (2) the total fixed charges 
that result; and (3) the interest of affected carrier employees.
    Applicant has submitted the information required by 49 CFR 1182.2, 
including information to demonstrate that the proposed transaction is 
consistent with the public interest under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b). 
Specifically, applicant has shown that the proposed acquisition of 
control will have a positive effect on the adequacy of transportation 
to the public and will result in no increase in fixed charges and no 
changes in employment. See 49 CFR 1182.2(a)(7). Additional information 
may be obtained from applicant's representative.
    On the basis of the application, we find that the proposed 
transaction is consistent with the public interest and should be 
authorized. If any opposing comments are timely filed, this finding 
will be deemed vacated and, unless a final decision can be made on the 
record as developed, a procedural schedule will be adopted to 
reconsider the application. See 49 CFR 1182.6(c). If no opposing 
comments are filed by the expiration of the comment period, this 
decision will take effect automatically and will be the final Board 
action.
    Board decisions and notices are available on our website at: 
``http://WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.''
    This decision will not significantly affect the quality of the 
human environment or the conservation of energy resources.
    It is ordered:
    1. The proposed acquisition of control is approved and authorized, 
subject to the filing of opposing comments.
    2. If timely opposing comments are filed, the findings made in this 
decision will be deemed as having been vacated.
    3. This decision will be effective on August 26, 2002, unless 
timely opposing comments are filed.
    4. A copy of this notice will be served on: (1) The U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 400 7th 
Street,

[[Page 46023]]

SW., Room 8214, Washington, DC 20590; (2) the U.S. Department of 
Justice, Antitrust Division, 10th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC 20530; and (3) the U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Office of the General Counsel, 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20590.

    Decided: July 2, 2002.

    By the Board, Chairman Morgan and Vice Chairman Burkes.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 02-17110 Filed 7-10-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P