I contacted Pioneer Railcorp president J. Michael Carr today to ask him about the company’s plans following the STB’s ruling today. Here are my questions and what he had to say:

Q: The STB ruling mentions a pending state court case regarding your contract with the city and whether that contract has expired. Is that case still going forward?

A: “There is currently no court action pending. We withdrew the original complaint that we filed because of venue objections. We were in the process of refiling that complaint. In light of this new development we are hoping all of the outstanding issues can be resolved through discussions with all parties involved. However, it is still our position that the contract has not expired because the contract has no termination date.”

Q: The STB ruling says that both PIRY and CIRY will be authorized operators of the Kellar Branch. How will this affect your company’s plans to fix the rails and ties for operation? Will you be trying to work with CIRY to share the cost of improvements?

A: “We intend to try to work out a fair and amicable arrangement with CIRY as soon as possible. We still believe that our service can be restored with a minimal amount of work. I am uncertain as to what CIRY has done in regard to upgrading and repairing the line.”

Q: Gary Sandberg has already mentioned that he hopes your company will still be willing to let the trail folks use part of the railroad right-of-way where feasible to put their trail. Is Pioneer still willing to work with the Park District on that, if the PPD asks?

A: “Yes, I have already emailed Mayor Ardis and told him we are still willing to discuss and cooperate with joint usage rail/trail. We are hopeful an agreement can be struck in the near future.”

That last answer should be of some consolation to trail advocates. Hopefully they’ll cut their losses and look for a way to build the trail without tearing out the rail line so it can finally be completed.