37-3-113. Interchange and transfer of messages, service and other facilities.

(a) Every public utility shall afford all reasonable, proper and equal facilities for the prompt and efficient interchange and transfer of passengers, property, cars loaded or empty, messages, service, or other facilities between the lines, plants or systems owned, operated, controlled or leased by it, and the lines, plants or systems of every other public utility, and shall make such interchange and transfer promptly without discrimination between shippers, passengers, carriers and all persons either as to compensation charged, service and facilities rendered or afforded. Every public utility operating within the state shall receive and transmit without delay or discrimination, any message, service, passenger or property or facility of or from every other similar public utility with whose line or plant or system a physical connection may have been made. But this act shall not be construed as requiring any public utility to give the use of its tracks or terminal facilities to another public utility engaged in like business.

(b) Nothing in this section contained shall be construed as in anywise limiting or modifying the duty of a public utility to establish joint rates, fares and charges for the transportation of passengers, property, messages, service or other facilities over the lines, plants or systems owned, operated, controlled or leased by it and the lines, plants or systems of other similar public utility, nor as in any manner limiting or modifying the power of the commission to require the establishment of such joint rates, fares and charges, such public utilities have failed to agree upon such use or the terms or conditions of compensation for the same, the commission may by order direct that such use may be permitted, and prescribe a reasonable compensation and reasonable terms and conditions for such joint use. Said commission however, shall not direct or sanction such joint use except in case of clear necessity.