Linda Morgan hopes that she will be remembered for getting railroads to set their sights on continuing improvements.

After nine years on the Surface Transportation Board (STB), including a stint as chairman, Morgan stepped down in late May, leaving behind what she said is a more "focused, proactive" rail industry. "The industry is more geared toward the day-to-day business operations than it was nine years ago," Morgan said in an exclusive interview. "It's more creative about business opportunities."

Morgan believes those improvements were largely a result of the merger implementation problems the railroads have experienced in the last decade. "Out of [the resolution of] that situation came an industry that's stronger and more intent on the things that will strengthen it going forward," she said.

Morgan believes the STB has played a big role in promoting those changes. "We've shown that we're not afraid to tackle hard issues," she said. "We've struck a good balance between affirmative governmental action and encouraging private-sector initiative and resolution—what I'd call improved commercial relationships between various segments of the rail sector." She cited an STB-brokered agreement between large and small railroads on how to settle disputes and another between the National Feed and Grain Association and the large railroads on dispute settlement through private-sector arbitration as examples of the board's successes.

Not only has the rail industry that it oversees become leaner and more efficient, but the STB itself also has made many improvements, she said. Under her guidance, for example, the board got its work done on time and constantly worked to improve its processes, she said.

Morgan hopes that the "good habits" that were adopted during her tenure will continue. "In terms of board processes, I would hope [it] would continue to refine its approach, looking to be more streamlined and less burdensome," she said.

How does she envision the STB's role in the future? "I hope that it continues to be active in overseeing disputes when necessary, but also aware of when facilitating a private-sector resolution would be the way to go," she said. "The board has asserted itself in a leadership role in balancing the needs of the customers with the need to retain a rail network in the private sector. I think that leadership role will continue to be important going forward."

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