US transport regulators might make it easier to talk to them in private

The Surface Transportation Board is considering loosening its rules about private conversations between regulators and outside parties. This means it could become simpler for companies and other groups to discuss ongoing cases with the Board without public disclosure.

Rules about private conversations with regulators, called "ex parte communications," are meant to keep decision-making transparent and fair. If these rules are relaxed, it could change how much influence private interests have on transport decisions. It could also make it harder for the public to see who is talking to regulators and about what.