In approving a request to abandon a segment of rail line, the commission will consider:

1. (1) service performed on the line in the two years preceding the date of the notice;
2. (2) comments or other evidence of support of or opposition to the proposed abandonment received from interested parties;
3. (3) alternate sources of transportation services available, including alternate sources of rail transportation service;
4. (4) impact of the proposed abandonment on the operation of the state transportation system;
5. (5) impact of the proposed abandonment on communities served by the rail line; and
6. (6) viability of the rail line for continued rail transportation service.

Source Note:The provisions of this §15.144 adopted to be effective June 20, 2002, 27 TexReg 5253.