Authorizes the mass transportation authority, when it cannot reach agreement with the rail carrier, to apply to the Board for an order requiring the carrier to: (1) establish terms for operation of additional trains the authority requests; (2) provide increased or improved maintenance or related capital work on trackage to maintain reliable service at speeds necessary to provide convenient and efficient mass transportation; (3) allow accelerated speeds and related capital work required to permit operation at accelerated speeds; and (4) convey an interest in a railroad right-of-way for the construction and operation of a segregated fixed guideway facility to the authority.
Revises rail transportation policy to declare it is U.S. policy to encourage and promote the operation of safe, efficient, and reliable commuter rail passenger service and other fixed guideway transportation systems, including operations where the service will share lines, corridors, or other facilities with freight railroads or with intercity rail passenger service.