The Surface Transportation Board said it has awarded a contract to InterVISTAS Consulting LLC (InterVISTAS) "to conduct an independent analysis that evaluates potential alternative rate regulation approaches, with the goal of reducing the time, cost and complexity of rate reasonableness complaints brought before the Board."
STB, announcing the move September 19, 2014 on its website, said that under the contract, "InterVISTAS will conduct an independent analysis entitled Railroad Rate Regulation Study. The focus of the study will be on alternatives that are likely to reduce the time, complexity, and expenses that historically have been associated with the Stand-Alone Cost methodology, without diminishing the Board's ability to achieve outcomes that are fair and reasonable to shippers and railroads."
The contract was awarded through a competitive bid process in accordance with federal procurement regulations and procedures, STB said. The study is expected to be completed and published by late 2015.
STB said Vancouver, British Columbia-based InterVISTAS is an international transportation professional services firm with offices in the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. InterVISTAS is a subsidiary of Amersfoort, Netherlands-based Royal Haskoning DHV.