The Title says it all. I didn’t see this one coming.
Everything I have seen since the original announcement signaled the deal would most likely have STB blessings as a ‘small’ transaction as previously defined by the STB back around 2001.
I think what is setting up is a partitioning of KCS.
If CP does win, either CN or CSX will be awarded the former Alton to enhance competiton and service to KC and St Louis.
At least that is what my Magic 8-Ball says.
Not terribly surprising given the decision in #4 from April 23rd (but read Primus’s dissent!)
I can’t link the PDFs of the documents from docket FD36500 (they are served by request) but #4 is 50743 (the decision to apply waiver and use pre-2001 criteria) and #5 is 50715 (the approval of voting trust and, more importantly, the detail discussion of the changes the STB expects in order to approve the arrangement). Both are important reading.
I have no idea why the more recent document has the lower number.