STB schedules public meeting on CSX rail service issues

The Surface Transportation Board has been monitoring CSX’s performance since mid-July, after widespread service problems were caused by CSX’s implementation of operating plan changes.    The Surface Transportation Board, which has been monitoring CSX Transportation ever since the railroad experienced widespread service problems recently in relation to changes in the company’s operating plan.
   On Aug. 24, the STB docketed a public listening session regarding recent rail service problems on CSX’s network and its recovery efforts. The listening session, scheduled for Tues., Sept. 12, is also expected to “give rail shippers and other stakeholders the opportunity to report on the repercussions of these rail service problems and their experiences with CSX’s actions to restore its service to acceptable levels,” according to the STB.
   CSX President and CEO E. Hunter Harrison and Acting STB Chair Ann Begeman have reportedly already had direct conversations about the deterioration in CSX’s service, and all three STB Board members have written to CSX to express their concerns and request information about CSX’s service recovery plans.
   In addition, the STB says some of its staff members are holding weekly calls with CSX senior management and receiving weekly service metrics from the Jacksonville, Fla.-based Class I railroad.
   The public listening session is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Tues., Sept. 12 in the STB Board Hearing Room at the agency’s headquarters, 395 E Street, S.W., Washington, D.C.
   At least one CSX representative is expected to appear at the listening session, and the STB is encouraging impacted shippers and other railroads to also appear.
   Shippers, railroads, and other stakeholders that plan to make comments during the listening session are being asked file with the Transportation Board a notice of intent to participate, identifying the party and the proposed speaker, no later than Sept. 7.