Rail Audit Transparency Act

Bill 117 HR 158, also known as the Rail Audit Transparency Act, was introduced in the US Congress to address concerns regarding transparency and accountability in the rail industry. The main purpose of this bill is to require the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to conduct audits of Class I rail carriers to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to provide transparency to the public.

The bill mandates that the STB conduct annual audits of Class I rail carriers, which are the largest freight railroads in the country. These audits will focus on various aspects of the rail carriers' operations, including their financial practices, safety protocols, and customer service standards. The goal of these audits is to identify any areas where the rail carriers may be falling short and to hold them accountable for any violations of federal regulations.

In addition to the audits, the bill also requires the STB to publish the results of these audits on its website and to provide a summary of the findings to Congress. This will ensure that the public and lawmakers are informed about the performance of the rail carriers and can take appropriate action if necessary. Overall, the Rail Audit Transparency Act aims to improve accountability and transparency in the rail industry by requiring regular audits of Class I rail carriers and making the results of these audits accessible to the public. This bill is an important step towards ensuring that the rail industry operates in a safe and efficient manner while also protecting the interests of consumers and shippers.