Re: Is RR antitrust exemption near the end of the line?
Author: Dave Smith
Date: 05-08-2008 - 13:18
Since the infrastructure is technically in the genre of a utility (e.g. the "natural monopoly"), it is reasonable to assume that under open access the rail infrastructure would be regulated in the same manner, aka "cost + 10%". However, even though there is a certain level of asset protection with regulation and other ancillaries, I do not believe it would be necessary. With fuel prices like they are today, I believe a mainline track renting entity could make money hand over fist even with highways and waterways being "subsidized".