Fuchs is named next chairman of Surface Transportation Board

A change is coming at the top for the Washington, D.C.-based Surface Transportation Board (STB), an independent adjudicatory and economic-regulatory agency charged by Congress with resolving railroad rate and service disputes and reviewing proposed railroad mergers.  

Following his inauguration yesterday, President Donald Trump designated Patrick Fuchs as STB Chairman.

Fuchs has served as an STB board member since January 17, 2019 and was re-confirmed on May 14, 2024, with that term set to expire on January 14, 2029. Before joining the STB, Fuchs served as a senior professional staff member working on surface transportation and maritime issues for the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman John Thune of South Dakota.

Fuchs played an integral role in the development and enactment of major railroad legislation, including the first reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Board since its creation in 1996 and the first passenger rail reauthorization in over seven years, according to his bio on the STB website. The bio added that he played a key role on legislation to improve rail project delivery, rail financing, and hazardous materials safety, all of which were enacted as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), the five-year, $305 billion surface transportation authorization.

Fuchs replaces Robert Primus, whom will remain at STB as a Board member. Primus replaced Martin Oberman, following Oberman’s retirement last spring, with his term expiring December 21, 2027.

The appointment of Fuchs as STB Chairman was strongly endorsed by the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

“Chairman Fuchs has proven to be a thoughtful, solutions-oriented leader who lets data drive the decision-making process,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “Throughout his career, he has been committed to maintaining the balanced regulatory framework that allows railroads to invest while also offering appropriate remedies for rail customers. America’s railroads look forward to working with him as we advance our shared goal of a thriving, vibrant rail network that helps businesses and our economy continue to grow.”