CSX CEO Harrison rebukes RCC letter to Congress

The Rail Customer Coalition has requested a Congressional investigation into CSX’s recovery efforts following reports of widespread service disruptions in the wake Hunter Harrison’s installation as chief executive of the East Coast Class I railway.    Class I railroad CSX’s chief executive Hunter Harrison has rebuked the Rail Customer Coalition (RCC) letter sent to Congress last week, which expressed “strong concerns regarding the serious and disruptive rail service problems” due to recent changes in the CSX network, according to a report from industry news outlet Progressive Railroading.
   The RCC, comprising trade associations representing manufacturing, agricultural and energy industries, asked Congress to open up an investigation into recent CSX service issues and address “the underlying causes, as well as the short- and long-term impacts, including whether CSX is meeting its common carrier obligations.”
   Harrison took over CSX operations earlier this year and has since made drastic changes to the railroad’s workforce, routes and hubs. Harrison has come under intense criticism for the cuts, but he countered it in his own letter to the RCC, obtained by Progressive Railroading, stating, “The overriding objective of CSX’s new operating plan is to provide superior and reliable service to our customers that provides them a competitive advantage and contributes to American business success. The changes we are implementing today will deliver measurable improvements in key service metrics, resulting in our customers’ freight moving more consistently, reliably and cost efficiently across the CSX network.”
   In his response letter to the RCC, Harrison also noted that the coalition never contacted CSX to discuss the service concerns, adding that this was “most likely because [RCC’s] statements were made to advance [RCC’s] longstanding attack on the balanced approaches of the Staggers Act.”
   Despite customer service problems, which CSX is “addressing aggressively,” the railroad is “already seeing progress,” said Harrison.
   “We will continue to work directly with our customers to address their concerns as we move forward, and encourage them to continue bringing issues to our attention as we accelerate our new operating plan. However, should your coalition wish to discuss other completely unrelated topics like reciprocal switching, which are more central to your agenda, we always welcome the opportunity to meet or talk with you at any time,” he wrote to the RCC.
   Last Monday, Surface Transportation Board (STB) Acting Chairwoman Ann Begeman sent a letter to Harrison regarding CSX’s service issues, requesting data on the railroad’s train, car connection and yard performance, as well as equipment and personnel resources. Begeman also requested a schedule of CSX’s remaining operating plan transition by Aug. 24.
   CSX and RCC did not respond to requests for comment.